Ansel Adams' Trust Says AI-Colorized Version Of His Work Was Exhibited Without Permission - Engadget

An AI-generated color version of Ansel Adams' iconic photograph, 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico,' was allegedly exhibited and offered for sale without authorization. The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust condemned the unauthorized use of the photographer's name and work.

What happened

The AI-generated version was reportedly displayed at The Photography Show, organized by the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD). According to the Trust, the exhibit by Danziger Gallery "exploited Ansel's name, reputation, and his most iconic image, while failing to identify any human artist responsible for its creation." The Trust stated they were not consulted or notified before the work appeared. After being alerted, the Trust notified James Danziger of their rights and requested the work's removal. The Trust says that Danziger subsequently leveraged Ansel's name, 'Moonrise,' and the AIPAD presentation while pursuing a proposed commercial AI colorization venture. The Trust denounced the nonconsensual use of an artist's name and work for commercial purposes, calling it a "gross failure of ethical and professional judgment."