Conference
Artificial Creativity: Myth or Reality?: an enriching debate
Will artificial intelligence replace artists?
This is the question posed by Louis de Diesbach, a technology ethicist, as the subtitle of his latest book, Faussaires algorithmiques which was the focus of a debate organized by the Digital Lab and Le Soir on May 20 during their conference "Artificial Creativity: Myth or Reality?" held at a cultural landmark in Liège, the B3 - Resource and Creativity Center of the Province of Liège.
Following the book presentation, the audience was treated to a debate led by a passionate and inspiring panel. Highlights:
“The main concern is the honesty and authenticity of the artistic process. The problem arises when something is presented as a work not created by AI when in fact it is. ” Olivier Van Hee (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles)
“Compared to a painter’s brush and other technological developments that have emerged since, there is something extra with AI: we are using a tool over which we do not have complete control and which could exert an ideological influence on the work. ” Xavier Counasse (Le Soir)
“AI is the culmination of all the considerations we must make as users, such as when choosing what to eat or whether to travel by plane. We just need to do things consciously. A higher degree of human awareness is always desirable.” Alexis Alvarez (HEC Liège)
“This is a debate that requires nuance. Asking whether one is for or against AI is probably the worst question to ask people. Sometimes it’s great—think of the two Nobel Prizes in 2024, including the one in chemistry won by someone who isn’t even a chemist—but it’s also clickwork. ” Louis de Diesbach
“While we debate, AI is advancing. On the other hand, there’s no sign of progress when it comes to emotions. We’re capable of feeling pleasure, frustration, positive and negative emotions—like the tennis player who trains and takes great pleasure even in losing a match in which he fought very hard. AI, on the other hand, couldn’t care less; it has no emotions. But that’s the only area where we can have this debate.” Dominique Mangiatordi (ai5)
The Digital Lab warmly thanks the speakers and the audience, as well as the La Pépinière d'entreprises du B3 for their collaboration!
Stay tuned for a commentary-filled recap of this evening on the Digital Lab podcast Échos Numériques, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.Photos: Adrien Closter
Published on 5/29/26
