J.F. Martel's 'Reclaiming Art' Insights on AI and Artistic Resonance
In a newsletter essay titled 'Making the Same Different: The Art AI Cannot Make,' Clint draws on J.F. Martel's 2015 book 'Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice' to argue that AI, particularly LLMs, produces technically polished but homogeneous work, lacking the 'poesis' that creates true art. Martel's observation that classics often appear 'uneven' or 'amateurish' because they break through consensus is contrasted with AI's tendency to reinforce it. The essay quotes Hyde's review of the jazz standard 'Nardis,' noting that jazz 'makes the same different' while AI 'makes everything different the same.' Clint introduces the concept of 'resonance'—non-verbal truth communicated between humans—as more important than technical mastery. He cites Paul Klee's idea that art 'makes visible' rather than reproduces the visible, and argues that resonance, not proficiency, drives art sales. Artists are encouraged to mine their unique 'vibe, style, and energy' and to lean into imperfections as strengths, referencing Martel's point about classic works. The essay promotes FASO, a platform for artists, and mentions Clint's forthcoming book 'The Sovereign Artist,' which has gone to the editor.
Key facts
- J.F. Martel's 2015 book 'Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice' is cited.
- AI (LLMs) is described as producing technical polish but no 'New' art.
- Jazz, via Hyde's review of 'Nardis,' is said to 'make the same different.'
- The concept of 'resonance' is defined as non-verbal truth between humans.
- Paul Klee is quoted: 'art does not reproduce the visible, it makes visible.'
- Clint argues that resonance, not technical proficiency, drives art sales.
- Artists are advised to develop their unique vibe and lean into imperfections.
- Clint's book 'The Sovereign Artist' has gone to the editor.
Entities
Artists
- J.F. Martel
- Hyde
- Paul Klee
- Clint
- Jing Zhao
Institutions
- FASO
- The Universal Riddle
- BoldBrush