B2 – Upper Intermediate
A painting created by an artificial intelligence robot has sold for more than $1 million, showing how technology is changing the world of art. This surprising sale has sparked conversations about creativity, value, and whether machines can be considered real artists.
Read the article or watch the video to find out more information about this.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqdvz4w45wo
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to crack a code” mean? “The scientist played a crucial role in the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two by helping to crack codes and deciphering the infamous Enigma machine at Bletchley Park.” Make a sentence with this phrase and give a synonym or similar expression.
- What is the meaning of “to grapple with“? “Aidan Meller, director of the Ai-Da Robot Studios, said: “This auction is an important moment for the visual arts, where Ai-Da’s artwork brings focus on artworld and societal changes, as we grapple with the rising age of AI.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
- What is the meaning of “outstrip”? “Sotheby’s said the online sale, which ended at 19:00 GMT on Thursday, was bought by an undisclosed buyer for a price “far outstripping the artwork’s estimate price”.” Make a sentence using the word and give a synonym or similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think AI can be considered an artist? Why or why not?
- Can AI truly be creative, or is it just copying patterns?
- What does the sale of AI art for over $1 million say about our society and culture?
- Can art still be meaningful if it has no emotions or life experiences behind it?
- How does knowing a robot made a painting change how you feel about it?