Defining an AI-Generated Artwork: A Transdisciplinary Concept for Cognitive Science, Computer Science, and Art Theory

The burgeoning capacity of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate artworks has ignited substantial interdisciplinary interest. However, the absence of a shared conceptual framework has hitherto impeded effective communication and collaboration among cognitive science, computer science, and art theory. This study addresses this lacuna through a comprehensive literature review by developing a transdisciplinary definition of an AI-generated artwork. It is proposed that an AI-generated artwork constitutes the confluence of three essential elements: (1) an autonomous AI-production of a new and surprising idea or artifact, (2) which passes an internal evaluation mechanism embedded in the very same AI, and (3) is considered a candidate of appreciation by a human audience. This definition provides a unified conceptual foundation to facilitate interdisciplinary research and deepen understanding of the nature of AI-generated art. Subsequent research should explore the applicability of this definition to diverse forms of AI-generated artworks and evaluate its implications for artistic practices.