Question

In the 1970s British artist Harold
Cohen created a computer
program that could produce
paintings. How did this technology
impact present art?
Item1
Item2
2 of 3

Item3
Computers now design
most present day art.
Digital art is now
considered fine art just
like painting by hand.
Computers now produce
most of the art world’s
masterpieces.


b
Digital art is considered
inferior to painting by
hand.

Answer 1

Best choice: Item2.

Why:
- Harold Cohen’s program AARON (1970s) helped establish generative and algorithmic art as a legitimate artistic practice. Today digital work is widely accepted by museums, galleries and collectors—so digital art can be considered “fine art” alongside traditional painting.
- The other statements are incorrect or misleading:
- Computers do not “design most present day art.” Most art is still created by humans, though many artists use digital tools.
- Computers do not produce most of the art world’s masterpieces.
- It’s not accurate to say digital art is uniformly considered inferior to hand painting; opinions vary, but institutional acceptance and market value for digital work have grown substantially.

Short list of concrete impacts from Cohen/AARON:
- Helped pioneer generative art and influenced later computational and AI art (including use of machine learning).
- Raised important questions about authorship, agency and creativity in art.
- Encouraged use of software tools in studio practice, education, and museums.
- Contributed to acceptance of digital production and reproduction techniques in the art market.