Reconfiguring Creativity: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research on Artificial Intelligence in the Fine Arts

ABSTRACT Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reconfiguring the epistemic and creative boundaries of the fine arts, challenging long‐standing distinctions between human authorship and machine‐generated expression. Across artistic domains including visual arts, music and literature, AI is increasingly embedded not only in creative production but also in analytical interpretation, curatorial practice and immersive audience engagement. This systematic review synthesises empirical research examining the role and impact of AI within the fine arts, with particular attention to its implications for creativity, perception and artistic practice. A structured search of three major bibliographic databases yielded 723 records. Following rigorous screening procedures based on predefined inclusion criteria, 44 empirical studies were retained for analysis. The findings shed light on the emergence of AI as a co‐creative agent, destabilising conventional notions of authorship, originality and aesthetic value, signalling a broader cultural shift in how art is conceptualised and experienced. At the same time, the review highlights critical limitations, including the concentration of research within highly visible publication channels and the rapid evolution of AI technologies, which necessitate ongoing critical reassessment. In conclusion, the integration of AI into the fine arts represents a paradigmatic transformation with far‐reaching implications for artistic practice, cultural production and the philosophy of creativity. Future research must move beyond technological capability toward more critically informed, culturally inclusive and theoretically grounded explorations of human–machine artistic collaboration.