Controversial Glasgow mural 'will have nothing to do with AI' after social media uproar
“I can’t stress enough that AI will have nothing to do with the mural.”
A businessman behind a Glasgow mural that caused uproar on social media has said artificial intelligence will have nothing to do with the finished design.
On January 11, Glasgow City Council approved a proposal from Derek Paterson to create the mural on a wall at 11 Elmbank Street.
The suggested design, which was intended to represent Glasgow’s heritage, was criticised online for its use of AI. In particular, the design was mocked for having a bald eagle in the image - a bird native to North America.
Mr Paterson has added that he had received considerable abuse online for the proposal. As well as this, the local artist hired had several pieces of work already displayed in the city.
He said: “This is a classic case of social media blowing up a story where none truly exists.
“I met with a well respected local artist last May to discuss the commission.
“The artist has a wide body of work in the city.
“I also engaged with Glasgow City Council Mural team and they have been fully supportive and very helpful advising, which I appreciate doesn’t always suit the bash the council narrative conveyed by many.
“From the outset I have stressed to the artist that he has a blank canvas to work on and I will merely provide the theme.
Businessman to ‘celebrate Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage’ with mural
The design features Highland cows, a stag, a steam train, a worker wearing a flat cap and a building based around the Wallace Monument in Stirling.
Paterson added: “I’m attempting to convey a story which celebrates Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage whilst tipping a hat to the city’s industrial future.
Make sure you keep up to date with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
“I can’t stress enough that AI will have nothing to do with the mural it was merely an indicative drawing attempting to convey an idea on which the mural will be loosely based, but the artist will have licence to let his creative juices flow, within reason and subject to the Council’s guidelines.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.