AI Reveals Art as Human Necessity, Not Product

Stefano Monti argues that the rise of artificial intelligence paradoxically reaffirms art as a fundamental human need, not merely a finished product. He contrasts everyday creative acts—jogging, dancing, playing piano—with the art world's overemphasis on final outcomes. Monti cites Marina Abramović as an example of how an artist's lifelong research shapes their persona, making their presence compelling beyond verbal communication. He contends that AI's ability to produce paintings, music, or books instantly highlights what machines lack: the personal drive to create for self-improvement and expression. Monti advocates using AI to break down cultural barriers that discourage non-artists from practicing art, comparing it to how widespread amateur sports participation elevates professional levels. He calls for recognizing art as an innate human need, rooted in symbolic behavior, that no robot can genuinely feel.