The intersection of technology and creativity has birthed a fascinating new art form - AI generated art. Powerful machine learning algorithms are now capable of producing remarkably advanced paintings, sketches, photography, and other media with little to no human input (see examples here: https://www.theverge.com/22531058/ai-image-generation-art-2020). This emerging technology signals a paradigm shift in how art can be created and consumed.

The rapid progress in AI research over the last decade paved the way for the current explosion of AI art tools. Machine learning models like generative adversarial networks (GANs) and diffusion models can synthesize stunning, photorealistic images based on text prompts. Leading AI art platforms such as DALL-E 2, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion demonstrate how far algorithmic art generation has come.

For the first time, technology has provided ordinary people access to creative capabilities once attainable only by skilled professionals. Now, anyone can manifest their visual imagination into art with just a few words. AI art has also enhanced workflows for human creatives through its superhuman speed and ability to iterate.

However, this new technology does not come without controversy. Some criticize AI art as unoriginal and question whether fully algorithmic works should be considered art at all. There are also concerns about copyright, plagiarism, and the potential to automate jobs.

Regardless of its debated merits, AI art generation represents a landmark feat of human engineering. It also hints at an intriguing future where technology and human creativity collaborate to reach astonishing new heights. Just as photography evolved painting, AI promises to reshape artistic traditions. The canvas of possibilities is now broader than ever.