Science & Tech · AI · 1 hr ago
Singapore artists weigh how to protect their work as AI art spreads
Generative AI can create images and other content in seconds from text prompts, changing how creative work is made.
In Singapore, illustrators, animators, designers and other artists have mixed reactions, from rejection to using the tools.
Some say AI systems draw on existing work without artists' knowledge or consent, raising concerns about copyright and fairness.
Illustrator Goh Wei Choon says AI-generated work differs from human inspiration because artists bring their own experiences and judgment to what they create.
Other artists worry that AI can copy existing work or reduce the value of individual expression, putting creative livelihoods and human craft under pressure.
Some artists use generative AI for brainstorming or because their livelihoods depend on it, even when they have reservations.
Generative AI is becoming more embedded in creative work, and artists are considering how to protect their work and preserve human creativity, as the debate continues.
Generative AI can create images, videos and other content in seconds from text prompts, raising concerns among artists in Singapore.
Artists interviewed by CNA described a range of responses, from rejection to adoption for brainstorming or work.
Some artists object to AI systems using creative work without permission or consent.
They also question how generative AI affects human creativity, livelihoods and the value of artistic work.
- Who
- Artists and creative professionals in Singapore, including illustrators, animators and designers.
- What
- They are weighing how to protect their work and livelihoods as generative AI spreads.
- When
- CNA published the article on Nov. 1, 2026.
- Where
- Singapore.
- Why
- Some artists say AI uses existing creative work without permission and can undermine consent, livelihoods and human expression.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- Nov. 1, 2026
- Interviewed artist
- Goh Wei Choon, co-founder and illustrator of The Woke Salaryman
- Interviewed artist
- Farihath Samsul, illustrator
- Interviewed artist
- Jolene Tan, freelance animator and motion designer
- Interviewed expert
- Bernhard Schmitt, associate professor at NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media
1 source
What people are saying
The main reason I’m primarily against it is that it scrapes, without permission, the work of other artists and creatives
That’s my precious work that I’ve spent hours on – and AI art just makes that in seconds. How is that impressive? That’s stealing.
The whole principle or the purpose of art itself is already for individual expression