T he rise of AI-generated artwork in the style of Studio Ghibli has sparked an intense debate. As an artist, I firmly believe that AI-generated versions of Ghibli’s work - or any art, for that matter - cannot truly be called art. Art is something deeply personal, created through human experience, emotions, and skill. AI merely produces an imitation, a close match but never an original. Art Is Human, Not Algorithmic Art is not just about aesthetics or technical execution - it is about expression. Every brushstroke, every choice of colour, and every composition carries a piece of the artist’s mind and soul. AI, on the other hand, does not feel or innovate; it simply processes patterns based on existing data. If an AI model generates an image that looks like a Ghibli frame, it is still not Ghibli art. Unless it is drawn by an actual Ghibli artist, it remains a replica, not an original work of art.

 

The essence of Ghibli’s animation is not just its style but the stories, emotions, and vision of Hayao Miyazaki and his team - something AI cannot replicate. The value of original art will keep increasing True art holds value because it is created by an artist, not just produced by a machine. Recently, M F Husain’s ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra),’ a 14-foot-wide mural, was sold for an unprecedented $13.8 million at a Christie's auction in New York. This shattered the previous record for Indian art, which was $7.4 million for Amrita Sher-Gil's "The Story Teller" in 2023. Why do these paintings command such astronomical prices? Because they are signed, created, and infused with the artist’s vision, emotions, and years of experience. AI-generated work can never hold the same value because no artist has invested their skill or soul into it.

 

History proves that technological advancements enhance efficiency but do not replace creativity. From hand calculations to calculators, from film photography to digital cameras - tools evolve, but the skill of composition, storytelling, and artistic vision remains human. AI & Art: A tool, not a replacement Does this mean AI is harmful to artists? Not at all. AI can be a tool— just like how a musician learns from an instrument, and a singer hones their voice by studying the masters of the past. However, no matter how much they learn, they must eventually produce that note from their own throat. An AI might be able to generate a technically perfect song, matching pitch and tone, but it will lack the human emotion that makes a great singer a true master. Emotion is what gives depth to music, just as it gives soul to art. It is the struggles, experiences, and personal interpretation of an artist that make their work unique - something AI will never possess. A machine can reproduce strokes and colours, but it cannot replicate the evolving emotions of a human mind. It can assemble a painting with the same materials, the same tools, and even a similar style - but it will always lack the soul that makes art truly valuable.

 

Just like how a professional singer performs live shows and sings for films, while many others hum those songs for fun, to relax, or as a way to enjoy themselves. Some will eventually take up singing classes, train, and become professional singers themselves. This doesn't mean those who sing for fun are doing anything wrong. It’s the same with watching legendary cricketers. Many fans watch and follow their heroes, playing cricket in their lanes and local grounds just for fun. Not everyone who plays for fun will become a legendary cricketer, but some will train professionally and eventually play for India. This is how the trend of AI-generated art works as well - not everyone will become a professional artist, but some may actually join a fine art school and become an artist or animator in reality. AI may allow people to express creativity in new ways, but the true mastery of art comes from dedicated practice, emotional depth, and personal innovation.

 

The hidden concern: Data privacy & AI-generated art While AI-generated art can be a fun and creative tool, there’s a serious concern that many users overlook - data privacy. With the rise of AI art trends, millions of people have uploaded their images online to generate AI versions of themselves or their favorite styles, such as Ghibli. However, once an image is uploaded, users often lose control over how it is stored, used, or even repurposed. These images become part of massive AI datasets, which means: They can be used for further AI training without the creator’s knowledge or consent. There’s a risk of misuse, where AI-generated versions of an artist’s work (or even personal images) could be modified or used in ways the original creator never intended. Artists’ unique styles are being scraped and replicated without permission, raising ethical and copyright concerns. Much like how people unknowingly give away data when using social media platforms, this AI trend is quietly feeding huge databases, which could be exploited for various commercial or even unethical purposes.

 

In an era where digital rights are becoming more critical, understanding where and how AI systems store data is essential for protecting creative ownership. AI has proven that everyone has an artist within One unexpected and beautiful outcome of this trend is that it has revealed something deeper - there is an artist inside everyone. Many people, who may have never picked up a pencil or brush before, are now exploring creativity through AI. This shows that humans are born creators, and the desire to make art, to express, and to create something new is universal. Perhaps some people choose AI tools over sketchbooks and colours, but the motivation is the same - to bring an idea to life. And if even a handful of people are inspired by this trend to pick up a pencil, a sketchbook, and explore colours with their own hands, then we can say the trend was successful.

 

How many people had truly heard of Miyazaki before this AI trend? Yet, today, more people know about him and his artistic legacy. And in the long run, his value as an artist has only increased. That, in itself, is the greatest honor and reward for him. Technology enhances the 'How,' But the 'Why' remains human The ‘how’ of art will always get better with technology and time, but the ‘why’ - its purpose, passion, and originality - will always remain human. (The author is Watercolour Artist & Art Educator) ■