Critique of Joan Fontcuberta's AI Photography Theory Sparks Debate on Image Authenticity

A significant critique takes issue with the assertions made by Spanish conceptual artist Joan Fontcuberta in his book 'Immagini Latenti,' published in March 2023, regarding algorithmic photography. Fontcuberta discusses AI-generated images, proposing a transitional phase for photography. He cites Boris Eldagsen’s AI creation 'The Electrician,' which won the Sony World Photography Award 2023, and Miles Astray’s photograph that triumphed in an AI category at the 1839 Awards 2024. Detractors maintain that photography is about capturing real light, contrasting it with AI's reliance on statistical data. Fontcuberta introduces terms like 'promptography' and likens it to the shift from analog to digital. Critics warn that merging these forms could dilute photography's role as a documentary tool in democratic societies. Both Eldagsen and Astray were involved in 'RIVALS – Photography vs. Promptography' in Berlin in March 2025.