top of page

Artists vs. Algorithms: Tech Billionaires and the Creative Struggle.

by Richard Mudariki

Richard Mudariki, 2018, Reform, Format, Scan: acrylic on canvas  (In Private Collection)
Richard Mudariki, 2018, Reform, Format, Scan: acrylic on canvas (In Private Collection)

The creative world has always been a place of paradox. As an artist, I have experienced firsthand how we are celebrated for our ingenuity yet often struggle to make ends meet. The recent rise of AI-generated art and the persistent influence of tech giants have only exacerbated this tension. In the visual arts, where I practice, this struggle has become particularly acute as digital platforms become saturated, success becomes rarer, and technological advances threaten to displace human creativity altogether. Let me explore these ideas in the context of Trump’s presidency, which brought tech titans like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg to the forefront of political and cultural conversations, and the broader implications for artists worldwide, including in Zimbabwe.


William Deresiewicz’s book The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech argues that today’s creators are forced to become entrepreneurs, managing their own brands, marketing, and distribution. This shift reflects broader societal changes, where platforms like Instagram and Spotify dominate cultural production and consumption. While these tools offer unprecedented access to audiences, they ahev also created overcrowded marketplaces where visibility is scarce and competition is fierce. A few succeed spectacularly, like viral sensations or influencers commanding millions of followers, but the vast majority of us are left struggling for recognition. As these platforms - owned by powerful corporations - prioritize profitability, they amplify those who are already successful, leaving emerging artists with minimal chances to break through.


For visual artists, this reality is stark. It can take years, sometimes decades, for a career to blossom. Yet, we face the same living costs as everyone else. Unlike professions with more immediate financial returns, an artist’s income is often sporadic and unpredictable. Success, even for the most talented among us, is not guaranteed. Meanwhile, the platforms that promise exposure take significant cuts of our earnings, perpetuating a system where creators enrich corporations more than themselves.


Tech billionaires from Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp, Amazon, Google and X (Twitter)/Tesla at the inauguration of Donald Trump (Image AP / New York Times)
Tech billionaires from Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp, Amazon, Google and X (Twitter)/Tesla at the inauguration of Donald Trump (Image AP / New York Times)

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America, attended by tech billionaires from Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Google, Amazon, Ticktok and Apple, symbolized a collision of political power and technological dominance. For me, these tech moguls have reshaped not only economies but also cultural ecosystems. While they claim to democratize access to creative tools and audiences, the reality is more complex. Their platforms consolidate power in the hands of a few, leaving the majority of creators scrambling for scraps.


The presence of these tech leaders at such a significant political event highlighted their influence. It also underscored the shift in societal values, where technology - rather than art or philosophy - is often seen as the primary driver of progress. This cultural prioritization sidelines artists, further diminishing our societal role and financial stability.


??? ? ??? ? ?? [??? ? (?))] + ?? [???(? − ?(?(?)))], Portrait of Edmond de Belamy, from La Famille de Belamy (2018). (Image: Christie's Images Ltd.)
??? ? ??? ? ?? [??? ? (?))] + ?? [???(? − ?(?(?)))], Portrait of Edmond de Belamy, from La Famille de Belamy (2018). (Image: Christie's Images Ltd.)

Adding another layer to this crisis is the rise of artificial intelligence. In 2024, a painting generated by AI - Portrait of Edmond de Belmy - was sold at Christies Auction for $432,500 , sparking heated debates about the nature of art and creativity. AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, and others can now create images, music, and even literature at astonishing speeds, raising questions about the value of human-made art.


For artists like me, this represents a dual threat. On one hand, AI can be a tool for innovation, offering new ways to create and experiment. On the other, it is a competitor, capable of producing work that corporations and collectors may value more for its novelty than for its artistry. In Zimbabwe, it is encouraging that the government, through the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal & Courier Services, has announced plans to introduce AI technologies and innovation to the nation, but foundational issues remain unresolved. Infrastructure for the arts, from funding to training, is already underdeveloped. Introducing AI into this fragile ecosystem risks overwhelming an already struggling community of artists.


As Zimbabwean artists, we face unique challenges. The country’s economic instability, limited access to resources, and lack of institutional support make it difficult to sustain our practices. While platforms like Instagram or Spotify offer a global stage, they also demand resources - stable internet, quality equipment, spaces, marketing skills - that many of us cannot afford. Meanwhile, the promise of AI feels distant and disconnected from the day-to-day realities of creating art in Zimbabwe. If AI tools are to be introduced, it is imperative to first strengthen the basics: affordable tech education, grants, and infrastructure for exhibitions and sales. Without these fundamentals, AI risks becoming another barrier rather than a bridge for Zimbabwean artists.


As I reflect on these developments, from Trump’s inauguration to AI’s rise, it is clear that we must navigate an increasingly complex landscape. The artist’s role is evolving, but our struggles remain rooted in the same systemic inequities. Addressing these challenges requires collective action. Governments, institutions, and tech companies must prioritize creators, not just as content generators but as vital contributors to culture and society.

In the meantime, we must embrace resilience and adaptability. Collaborations, community-building, and creative use of technology can help level the playing field. While the road ahead is uncertain, the enduring power of art to inspire, provoke, and connect remains irreplaceable - even in an age dominated by algorithms.

Comments


© 2024 artweb

bottom of page