Tech is both a threat and enabler — Ayo, artist

Ayo is an artist. Creative artist of designs, illustration and drawing. And he’s good. He has mastered the use of technology to enhance his work. In this encounter with Tech Climate & Health, he spoke on how technological innovations might be a double-edged sword. Happy reading.

Do you think Nigerians appreciate art enough?

It depends on who you ask, and also the kind of art in question. However, generally speaking, most Nigerians don’t appreciate some kind of art.

It might be due to lack of resources and the pressure of other things such as work.

Creative artists seem to face difficulty in making headway in Nigeria. In fact, it almost like only the elite appreciate drawing, dancing, sculpting etc. with patronage. What’s your reaction?

I’d say you are spot on. In Nigeria, the creative arts is seen mostly as a luxury, or just plain old decorative.

Which is why a lot of artists cannot depend on their artistic skills alone to survive or pay their bills, as those who seek their services tend to underpay or just assume that art shouldn’t cost so much no matter how good.

Some people still perceive creative arts as a hobby and not a means of livelihood, hence the poor value or charge rates.

Overseas, it’s a lifestyle, property of value (that appreciates) and, in some cases, a means of communication.

But, traditionally, creative arts were identities for families and/or communities. So it was a means of livelihood and value. What do you think changed?

Modern technology, art theft or counterfeiting.

If you don’t own a piece by Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Monet or any other priceless work of art by legends in the business, no one really cares about anything less.

You will have to be exceptionally good to make it as an artist in a highly competitive market.

To make a splash, you need to carve out a niche, make good use of social media, get close to your target audience, and, finally, try to stay consistent or you will lose your audience.

So technology is a threat to artists?

Not all the way. To some, it makes artists pretty much obsolete. And to some others, it complements or fills in areas that human creativity cannot reach.

Meaning there are art works that are a fusion of both human elements and artificial intelligence. So again it depends on who you ask.

Of course, there are people who prefer to go ‘Old School’ and desire works made from pure human intellect and creativity. But even that class is beginning to dry up.

What usually take most or some artists several hours or days to complete, an app on your phone would do it within seconds.

So tech does not threaten artists or any other profession?

I think it threatens everything in society. Especially in the employment department.

But your previous response meant a true professional could find tech to be helpful…

I also said in that response that “It depends on who you ask”.

Plus, I also said “Some artist, not all”.

So, where do you see art in 10 years in Nigeria?

I really can’t say at this point.

There are so many variables involved, and with current trend of AI’s competing in the creative space, its starting to look like with a smartphone or PC everyone is an artist.

And then maybe actual work of art that was made by humans before the year 2020 would be worth much more in value because anything made after 2020 would be considered too common or too artificial.