Ai-Da the robot makes history as her Alan Turing painting sells for US$1.3 million

It’s a watershed moment for AI in art.

A portrait of computing pioneer Alan Turing created by humanoid robot Ai-Da has sold for an astounding US$1.3 million (£1m) at auction house Sotheby’s, dramatically exceeding its estimated value of US$120,000-US$180,000.

The piece, titled “A.I. God,” attracted 27 bidders and marks the first time a humanoid robot’s artwork has been sold by a major auction house. The sale price, nearly ten times the initial estimate, signals growing market interest in the intersection of AI and fine art.

The subject choice carries particular significance: Turing, often called the father of artificial intelligence, was instrumental in breaking Nazi Germany’s Enigma code during World War II and later developed foundational concepts for modern computing. 

Ai-Da’s portrait shows Turing gazing out at viewers, creating what the robot artist describes as a meditation on “the god-like nature of AI and computing.”

Alan Turing portrait by Ai-Da.
Alan Turing portrait by Ai-Da. Photo: Sotheby's

“The key value of my work is its capacity to serve as a catalyst for dialogue about emerging technologies,” said Ai-Da, which uses advanced AI language models to communicate. The robot added that “Alan Turing recognized this potential, and stares at us, as we race towards this future.”

Aidan Meller, director of Ai-Da Robot Studios, called the sale “an important moment for the visual arts,” noting how it highlights society’s growing engagement with AI. The artwork raises provocative questions about creative agency as AI systems become increasingly sophisticated.

The sale might well represent the next step in the blurring of  traditional boundaries between human and machine creativity. “A.I. God” stands as a fitting tribute to Turing’s legacy while pointing toward an uncertain but intriguing future for artistic expression.

The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.

Share this Post:

Accessibility Toolbar