Defiance Through Consumption: A Stand Against AI Art
The Catalyst: Growing Concerns Over AI in Art
Artists, alongside other creative professionals like journalists, have increasingly voiced alarm regarding the extensive use of their original works by technology corporations. These companies frequently employ artistic creations to train and refine AI-driven image and text generation systems. This practice has led to several high-profile legal actions, including a class-action lawsuit filed in 2023 by digital artists against prominent AI firms such as Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt. Additionally, online retailers like Shein have faced litigation for allegedly misappropriating designs. While some legal victories have been achieved, many artists continue to feel powerless against what they perceive as systematic appropriation of their intellectual property.
An Unconventional Protest: The Incident at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, one undergraduate student, Graham Granger, a participant in the institution's film and performing arts curriculum, devised an unprecedented method to express his disapproval of AI-generated art. Granger reportedly consumed a portion of an artwork created by MFA student Nick Dwyer. This act, documented by the student publication The Sun Star, was identified by university police as a direct protest against the artwork's AI origins.
Exploring the 'AI Psychosis' in Art
According to the police report, Granger justified his actions by stating that he destroyed the artwork because it was generated by AI. The artwork itself, titled Shadow Searching: ChatGPT Psychosis (2025), was part of an exhibition and explored themes of identity, narrative creation, and the formation of false memories through interactive digital processes, all within a state described as "AI psychosis." This term, though not a clinical diagnosis, is a recognized phenomenon in popular discourse, particularly in psychology discussions, referring to delusions that can arise from intense interaction with chatbots. These delusions can manifest as grandiose, referential, persecutory, or romantic in nature.
Legal Ramifications: Charges and Court Appearance
As a consequence of his actions, records from the Alaska Court System indicate that Granger was charged with criminal mischief. The alleged damage to the artwork was estimated to be less than $250, classifying the offense as a class B misdemeanor. The legal proceedings are being overseen by Judge Maria P. Bahr.
The Exhibition and Its Aftermath
Dwyer's piece was part of the exhibition "This Is Not Awful," which is on display until January 23 at the UAF Art Gallery. The exhibition also features works by other MFA candidates, including Sarah Dexter, Amy Edler, Iris Sutton, and Matthew Wooller. Photographs from the incident reveal that Dwyer's installation comprised numerous small, Polaroid-style images affixed to a wall. Police estimate that at least 57 of the 160 images were damaged. The wall label for the installation credited the work to both Dwyer and AI, explicitly naming it Shadow Searching: ChatGPT Psychosis (2025).
The Artist's Perspective on Vulnerability
In a statement to The Sun Star, artist Nick Dwyer reflected on the inherent vulnerability of creating art. He articulated that the act of making art exposes both the creator and the creation, making the artwork seem more alive, real, and immediate. This vulnerability, he suggested, is an intrinsic part of the artistic process.
Unanswered Inquiries: Seeking Further Commentary
As of the time of reporting, neither Nick Dwyer nor Graham Granger, nor representatives from the university or its police department, have provided further comments in response to inquiries regarding the incident.