Gniezno mural sparks controversy over use of AI

A new mural in Gniezno depicting Bolesław Chrobry, the first King of Poland, has sparked significant public debate regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in its design.

Critics on social media have accused the work of looking like an ‘AI mess,’ with some noting that the original competition regulations prohibited the use of generative AI. While some viewers praised the mural’s execution, others expressed disappointment that the project appeared to favor AI-generated imagery over the work of human artists.

In response to the backlash, architect and social assistant to the Minister of Climate and Environment, Lidia Dickhardt-Stępniak, defended the use of AI. She argued that artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool similar to Photoshop, AutoCAD, or a graphic tablet. However, this comparison has faced criticism from those who argue that generative AI differs fundamentally from traditional design software because it can independently generate entire compositions based on user prompts rather than simply serving as a workspace for human-led operations.