Glasgow Mural Drama: No AI, Just Pure Scottish Spirit and Steam!

A new mural is set to be painted on Elmbank Street in Glasgow, and it has already sparked a lot of discussion online. The mural is being organized by businessman Derek Paterson, who wants the artwork to celebrate Scotland’s heritage and its future. When the first design for the mural was shared, many people noticed that it seemed to use artificial intelligence, or AI, to create the image. This caused some controversy, especially because the design included a bald eagle, which is not a bird that lives in Scotland. People on social media criticized the design, saying it looked strange and that the train in the picture seemed to be floating in the air. Some even joked that the eagle was an AI’s attempt to draw a sea eagle, which does live in Scotland.

Derek Paterson responded to the criticism by explaining that the image people saw was just a rough idea, not the final design. He said that the real mural will be painted by a local artist who already has other works displayed in Glasgow. Paterson made it clear that the artist will have the freedom to create the mural in their own style, as long as they follow the city council’s guidelines. He also stressed that AI will not be used in the final mural at all. Paterson said his goal is to tell a story about Glasgow’s rich industrial past and its commitment to renewable energy in the future. He wants the mural to include things like Highland cows, a stag, a steam train, a worker in a flat cap, and a building inspired by the Wallace Monument.

The city council has approved the mural, but the design must follow planning rules. The council does not judge the artwork’s style, only whether it meets their guidelines. The debate about AI in art is not new. Many artists are worried that computer-generated images could make it harder for them to find work. Michael Forbes, a pop artist from Black Isle, said he has even painted over some of his own art because he feels he cannot compete with AI. Despite the controversy, Paterson hopes the mural will become a positive addition to Glasgow, celebrating both its history and its future. He believes that letting a real artist create the mural will show the true spirit of the city and its people.