Just days after OpenAI launched its most advanced AI image generator to date, a new social media trend mimicking the style of Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli has emerged— highlighting both the power of the technology and growing concerns over copyright issues.
The latest GPT-4o update was unveiled on Tuesday, March 25. It introduces numerous practical improvements, such as more accurate text rendering and the ability to follow more detailed and complex prompts.
According to a post on OpenAI’s website, the model has been “extensively trained on a wide variety of image styles.”
From South Park to classic claymation, the AI has stunned users with its ability to generate still images and videos that evoke their favorite animations.
The Magic of Ghibli, Courtesy of AI
ChatGPT users have begun emulating the work of the renowned animation studio. Famous for films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, his work are well knowed.
Some images recreate pop culture or political scenes in the iconic Ghibli style of co-founder Hayao Miyazaki.
These include a reimagined trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and scenes from The Sopranos. Even the heated real-life exchange between Donald Trump and J.D. Vance at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenski. Also, many popular internet memes have been given the Ghibli treatment.
¿What Does Miyazaki Think About AI in Art?
In response to this trend, a 2016 video resurfaced in which Hayao Miyazaki himself described AI-generated art as “an insult to life itself.” Miyazaki is known for his hand-drawn animations and meticulous frame-by-frame approach.
“If you really want to make creepy things, you can go ahead and do it. But I would never want to incorporate this technology into my work” the legendary animator confessed in the clip.
Copyright in the Age of AI
OpenAI’s updated image generator has reignited debates about AI’s role in art. Nearly 4,000 people signed an open letter urging auction house Christie’s to cancel a groundbreaking sale dedicated to AI-generated art.
Concerns are mounting, and many generative AI programs are trained on copyrighted works and exploit human artists.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman downplayed the trend on X, joking. “After a decade of trying to create superintelligence to cure cancer or whatever, it was Studio Ghibli images that went viral and got people interested in our work.”
As is often the case with AI-generated art, these images raise complex copyright questions. Not just regarding Studio Ghibli’s work, but also the broader implications of AI reinventing existing imagery.
▎AI vs. Human Art: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH0rFgRCX0O/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
