Christie’s AI Auction Ignites Market Shift Despite Artist Backlash
Nearly 4,000 artists called for its cancellation, but with an 82% sell-through rate, the results suggest AI art is here to stay.
Christie’s first AI-generated art auction has not only gone ahead despite widespread criticism—it has exceeded expectations. The sale, which wrapped on March 5, brought in $728,784, surpassing its $600,000 estimate and signaling a strong demand for AI-created works among collectors.
The backlash was immediate and widespread. Nearly 4,000 artists signed an open letter demanding the auction’s cancellation, arguing that AI-generated art is built on datasets trained with human-created works—without permission or compensation. The response from Christie’s was clear: the sale would continue. And it did, with 82% of lots selling and nearly half of the bidders identifying as Millennials or Gen Z.
ART News
The highest-grossing work, Refik Anadol’s “Machine Hallucinations – ISS Dreams – A”, sold for $277,200, well above its estimate. Other notable pieces, including Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst’s diptych, also performed within or above expectations.
Despite accusations that the auction legitimizes exploitation in AI art, Christie’s framed the sale as a celebration of technology-driven creativity. Nicole Sales Giles, vice president and director of digital art sales, said the auction showcased “brilliant creative voices pushing the boundaries of technology and art.”
The results are difficult to ignore. Christie’s has made it clear that AI-generated art is not just a trend, but a market force. If the financial success of this auction is any indication, more AI sales will follow—regardless of the controversy.
ART Walkway News
Related Stories:
ART News
ART Critic’s Review
ART News
