Netizen criticises artist for ‘selling AI art’, video actually meant to be satirical
A netizen sparked an online debate after calling out an artist for allegedly selling AI-generated artwork during Singapore Art Week, only for it to later emerge that the video in question was meant to be satirical.
The video was shared on TikTok on Friday (16 Jan), with the original poster (OP) resharing a clip by artist @w4youthere that appeared to show him using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create artwork intended for sale.
Video raises questions over AI art at artist markets
In the reshared clip, the artist appears to demonstrate the use of generative AI to create customised Merlion characters, inviting viewers to try the process themselves at Labour Block, an open studio and marketplace celebrating creative labour.
Source: w4youthere on TikTok
Commenting on the clip, the OP criticised the idea of selling AI-generated works at an event meant to support artists who create their work by hand.
“Should AI art be allowed at art markets?” she questioned.
She expressed anger over what she perceived as profiting from technology rather than human creativity.
Source: cheyennekmy on TikTok
Her post quickly gained traction. Many netizens echoed her concerns and argued that generative AI should not be monetised in spaces intended to uplift artists.
Responding to MS News queries, the OP shared that while she welcomes discussion around generative AI, she prefers to refrain from sharing her own views further at this time.
Artist clarifies video was satire, not actual AI art for sale
The artist later responded in the comments, clarifying that the video was meant to be satirical and that no AI-generated artworks were being sold.
Source: cheyennekmy on TikTok
In a response video, the artist explained that the project was actually a collaboration with illustrator @thebaabstudio, whom he described as “a human artist”.
According to him, the collaboration involves a blind-box sock collection featuring four Merlion-themed designs that were hand-illustrated, not generated by AI.
Source: @w4youthere on TikTok
He added that the project aimed to bridge Singapore’s national icon, the Merlion, with “low-brow Singaporean truths” through humour and everyday symbolism.
The duo later shared more details of the project on Instagram, revealing four designs in the blind-box sock collection.
Source: @w4youthere on Instagram
In a heartwarming follow-up video on 24 Jan, the OP cleared the air and visited the artist’s booth at *Scape, where she herself bought a blind-box.
“Everything is 100% original conceptualised art,” she confirmed.
Organisers acknowledge satire was poorly communicated
The organisers of the studio Labour Block also weighed in.
In the same Instagram post, they explained that the video was intended to mock generative AI culture, but this was not communicated clearly.
Source: w4youthere on Instagram
They said the satirical intent was not obvious enough, leading to genuine misunderstanding.
They also took responsibility for how the content was interpreted by viewers.
Netizens discuss usage of generative AI
Despite the clarification, the incident reignited wider debate over the role of generative AI in the creative industry.
Some TikTok users criticised what they saw as contradictory attitudes among AI supporters. They also argued that generative AI requires little to no skill.
Source: cheyennekmy on TikTok
Others mocked claims that generating AI images involves effort.
Source: cheyennekmy on TikTok
Some expressed frustration over the growing presence of AI-generated visuals in public and creative spaces.
Source: cheyennekmy on TikTok
Another commenter compared AI prompting to sourcing stock images rather than producing original work.
Source: cheyennekmy on TikTok
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Featured image adapted from w4youthere on TikTok and cheyennekmy on TikTok.
