Is AI affecting authenticity of artists' creativity?

Observer

12-05-2025

Muscat: The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced the landscape of creativity in the arts, raising both opportunities and challenges for artists. AI has affected artists' creativity by providing new tools that can enhance their creative processes, while simultaneously posing threats to traditional artistic practices and livelihoods.
The art scene in the Sultanate of Oman is going through a critical phase that requires serious attention from all stakeholders, as signs of decline have begun to emerge in both the visual arts and music sectors despite the presence of educational institutions, art exhibitions and young talents.
According to renowned Omani artist Fahad al Zadjali, AI, which has shifted from being a supportive tool to a worrying substitute for genuine artists, is to blame.
Al Zadjali believes that the excessive and unconscious reliance on AI has led to the spread of what he describes as "automated copying", lacking creativity and cultural identity. He explains that AI should be limited to serving as an assistive tool for artists, not a replacement. "A true artist begins with an idea and builds the work with effort and emotion — not by simply generating images from the Internet," Al Zadjali says.
He further highlights the growing trend of printing artworks, colouring them and selling them as if they were authentic fine art. He considers this a form of "visual commerce" that reduces art to a cheap commercial product, stripping exhibitions and artistic initiatives of their cultural value and message.
The decline is not limited to visual arts; Omani music is also struggling to reach international audiences as music from around the world continues to flood into Oman. Al Zadjali questions, "Where is Omani music on the global stage? Why isn't it presented as a cultural identity on international platforms like African or Eastern music?" He attributes this gap to the lack of promotion by relevant institutions.
When asked about the lack of young artists continuing the artistic journey, Al Zadjali identifies the gap as stemming from weak foundational education and early-stage encouragement. Despite the existence of art classes in schools and university specialisations, he argues that this is not enough to produce real artists unless accompanied by a comprehensive support system, including competitions, workshops and international exposure.
Al Zadjali stresses that saving Omani art requires a holistic set of solutions. These should start with rebuilding the art education system from schools and universities, moving beyond theoretical lessons to include competitions and workshops that discover and refine talents early on. He also calls for empowering young artists by supporting their participation in international exhibitions and events to showcase their work and expand their professional horizons.
He emphasises that major cultural institutions, such as the Royal Opera House Muscat, should play a greater role in promoting Omani arts and featuring them in their programmes. He also suggests organising local exhibitions and events that focus on creativity and originality rather than mere commercial gain.
Moreover, Al Zadjali highlights the need to raise public awareness about distinguishing between genuine art and commercial products. He encourages the use of AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement for authentic creative work, to help restore Omani art's cultural role and spirit.
Al Zadjali stresses that reviving the artistic movement requires more than developing education or hosting exhibitions. It also demands genuine appreciation and motivation for Omani artists, both financially and morally. "One of the most impactful forms of recognition is acquiring and displaying the works of Omani artists in hotels and government buildings. Currently, most displayed works belong to non-Omani artists. Offering this kind of support could significantly help promote Omani identity and culture through authentic, locally produced art," he said.
Al Zadjali believes that launching art competitions under government or private sector sponsorship, even with symbolic prizes, would motivate new generations to emerge and participate. This would create a competitive environment that revitalises the art scene, opening doors for young Omani talents to represent Oman creatively both locally and internationally.