King Charles’ ‘creepy’ new portrait sparks intense backlash

A brand new portrait of King Charles has been unveiled at the United Nations AI for Good Summit in Geneva.

However, the portrait came under fire for its bizarre nature due to having been produced by a humanoid AI robot, named Ai-Da.

Titled “Algorithm King”, the artwork was initially presented at the UK Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), earlier this week.

Described as “the world’s first ultra realistic robot artist”, The Royal Family Channel further captioned the footage, “Ai-Da used advanced AI algorithms, a robotic arm using oil on canvas and the cameras in her eyes to create ‘Algorithm King’.”

Reactions ranging from concerned to outraged, as well as welcoming, quickly filled the various social media channels which showcased the advanced artwork.

“As an artist, I just want people to know that AI art steals from REAL artists. They steal artist’s work to enter into the programming to create AI art. They are NOT compensating the real artists for what they steal.. it’s getting so bad, I don’t post my work on any social media any longer. I think the general public needs to be aware of this theft of real artist’s works…” one comment on the YouTube video read.

While another expressed, “I think it’s absolutely amazing to see things through the eyes of an Android. And the actual paintings are wonderful and full of depth.”

Elsewhere, the portrait was also described as, “Absolutely creepy.”

Notably, Ai-Da also painted Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her reign’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

While it is important to keep in mind that neither the King nor the Queen ever interacted with the robot to help with the portraits.

Instead, the humanoid bot relied on pre-existing material to produce both of the artworks.

According to GB News, “The robot was conceived by Aidan Meller, an Oxford gallery director, and built by Engineered Arts in Cornwall.”

Whereas it is named after Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and writer from the 19th century, who is also known as “the first programmer”.

While exhibiting King Charles’ portrait, Ai-Da stated, “Presenting my portrait of His Majesty King Charles III is not just a creative act, it’s a statement about the evolving role of AI in our society, and to reflect on how artificial intelligence is shaping the cultural landscape.”