Headline: Artisan Declines Acclaimed Image Award Following Victory with AI-Created Picture
In an unexpected turn of events, Boris Eldagsen, a Berlin-based artisan, refused to accept an accolade from a renowned international photography contest after disclosing that his entry was computer-generated. Eldagsen clinched victory in the creative open division of this year's Sony World Photography Award with his submission titled “Pseudomnesia: The Electrician.”
The striking monochrome picture features two females from separate generations, with the elder seemingly clinging onto the younger from behind. Although the competition organizers acknowledged some AI involvement, they claimed attempts were made to intentionally misguide them.
Eldagsen expressed hope that his actions would stimulate dialogue regarding the matter and result in "distinct contests for AI-produced pictures." On his personal website, Eldagsen confessed to having been a bit mischievous in his efforts to ignite a conversation about synthetically generated imagery.
In a statement, he thanked the selectors for choosing his image, labeling it a historic moment as the first AI-generated picture to triumph in a prestigious international photography contest. He questioned the audience's awareness that the image was AI-produced, stating that something about it felt wrong.
Eldagsen argued that AI creations and photography shouldn't compete for the same award, as they are fundamentally different. He asserted that AI isn't photography, and therefore, he wouldn't accept the prize. He revealed his intention was to determine if such contests were ready for AI-created entries, concluding they were unprepared.
Eldagsen explained that the current surprise within the photography community is due to the emergence of AI systems that can produce images resembling photography without requiring the skills and expertise of photographers. He added that many photographers now fear losing their jobs to AI.
Eldagsen clarified that his goal wasn't to cause chaos but to initiate a vital discussion. He likened his actions to a hacker probing for system weaknesses, not with malicious intent but to expose potential vulnerabilities.
The competition, which saw the highest ever number of entries in its 16-year history, received over 415,000 images, with more than 180,000 qualifying for professional categories. Finalists and shortlisted photographers, hailing from over 30 countries, submitted images taken in diverse locations, from an abandoned cement factory in China to a fish market in Somalia.
The World Photography Organisation, which oversees the contest, confirmed that Eldagsen had disclosed the AI involvement in the image creation. It revealed that, based on Eldagsen's assurances, they believed his entry met the competition's criteria, which welcomes a variety of experimental image-making techniques. The organizers had intended to delve deeper into the topic with Eldagsen, preparing for a comprehensive Q&A session on their website.
However, following Eldagsen's decision to refuse the award and his statement acknowledging his deliberate deception, the organizers suspended their activities with him and removed him from the competition. They noted that this situation highlights the significance of AI in today's image creation and reinforced their commitment to championing the talent and skill of photographers and artists involved in the medium.
It's worth noting that Eldagsen's AI-created image, “Pseudomnesia: The Electrician,” was honored as the top entry in the creative open category of the Sony World Photography Awards 2023.