Besides the ongoing Kunal Kamra controversy, what else do you think is making Indians lose their minds? Not the Waqf Bill or the Myanmar earthquake – but ChatGPT’s latest offering, which turns any image into a Studio Ghibli-inspired one with just the right prompt. Instagram, X, Facebook – in short, social media is flooded with users flaunting their “Ghibli-fied” photos. But amid the excitement, these images have also sparked thoughtful debates on creativity, ethics, and copyright.
For some, this AI-powered transformation is a tribute – an artistic nod that helps more people discover and appreciate the legendary studio’s work. For others, it feels like a blatant misrepresentation, a commercialisation of an art form painstakingly handcrafted over decades.
But amid the hullabaloo, one can’t help but wonder: What would Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki think? Perhaps an old video making the rounds since ChatGPT’s latest feature went viral offers a clue. In it, when Miyazaki was shown an AI-generated animation demo, he called it “an insult to life itself.”
Some may argue – isn’t imitation the best form of flattery? Perhaps. But can AI truly capture the heart, soul, and life that Miyazaki poured into every hand-drawn frame – hours of sweat, passion, and dedication? That’s the real question.
The case against AI-generated Ghibli art
Artist Seema Kohli is unwavering in her stance: AI-generated Ghibli art is not flattery but an outright disrespect to the legacy of the studio.
“The proliferation of AI-generated Studio Ghibli art is deeply disrespectful to the artistry and the artists involved. It is a profound mischaracterisation to label such imitation as flattery. True appreciation for an artist’s work comes from recognising and valuing their unique creative journey and the immense effort invested in their craft. As an artist myself, I find the replication of my work without genuine understanding or contribution to be fundamentally dismissive,” she asserts.
Maybe she is right to some extent. Studio Ghibli’s work is not just about a distinctive aesthetic; it is a philosophy. Every frame is a labour of love, hand-drawn with painstaking detail by hundreds of artists. Some sequences in Ghibli films, lasting just a minute on screen, have taken years to complete. This is the soul of their artistry – something an algorithm simply cannot replicate.
Kohli believes that these AI-generated images, in essence, constitute a form of intellectual theft. They are, therefore, equivalent to an intrusion, a violation of creative ownership. “Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s meticulously crafted aesthetic has been appropriated, not celebrated,” she adds.
Moreover, Kohli raises an urgent concern about the broader implications of AI in art.
“Did the creators of these AI images obtain the necessary legal rights to utilise Studio Ghibli’s distinctive artistic style? This is a critical question that cannot be ignored.”
AI as a tool for artistic evolution?
Just as people are divided over ChatGPT’s Studio Ghibli-inspired art, artists, too have mixed opinions. For instance, artist Sangeeta Gupta believes that if AI is used to study, reinterpret, and pay homage to Ghibli’s artistry, it can be seen as admiration. “However, if it is used to mass-produce imitations without respect for the original ethos, it risks being a hollow reproduction rather than a true tribute.”
Gupta acknowledges the role of imitation in artistic evolution but emphasises that transparency is key. “If AI-generated images are clearly labelled and not passed off as authentic creations from the studio, they could spark curiosity about the original work and bring in new audiences. But the concern is that AI might replace human effort rather than serve as a tool for creative expansion.”
The question of authenticity
Anoop Kamath, an artist and curator, questions the originality of AI-generated art altogether. “AI art concerns me because the programs used to create these generative digital pieces are trained on copyrighted work and exploit human artists,” he states. He also critiques the often-quoted adage, “Imitation is the best form of flattery.”
“Does AI-generated work give credit to the original artists? Many times, the answer is no,” Kamath points out. He also doubts whether such artwork will hold value in the art world. “AI-generated images may lack the emotional depth and artistry of the original, hand-drawn work. They might even appear in galleries, but will they ever be considered as ‘original’ pieces of art? I doubt it.”
Does AI dilute the essence of Studio Ghibli’s work?
Deepshikha Agarwal, 29, a computer engineer, was ecstatic about the idea of seeing herself through the lens of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. She is not new to Miyazaki’s soulful world of art – an ardent fan of the artist – but the prospect of reimagining herself in a “Ghibli version” painted in soft watercolours was lucrative. However, does that dilute the essence of Miyazaki’s work? She is doubtful.
“I am a millennial and I grew up watching his films. I am also aware of the effort it took for each frame to come to life. Now, seeing everyone get hooked on to it makes me feel very happy. The reason? Well, very few people knew about his works like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies, and many more because most thought anime was a genre for kids – even my friends. Now, look at how everyone wants to look straight out of his world. I also know people who have watched a film or two after this trend went viral. Isn’t it a blessing in disguise?” she asks.
Supriya, 21, who is pursuing a course in fashion design, says, “It takes hours to bring a designer piece together, be it Sabyasachi, Rahul Mishra, Tarun Tahiliani – you name it. Artisans put in their all for a piece, but when those get ripped off and sold for one-fourth the price, do they really complain? Yes, you don’t compare apples with oranges, but they are artists after all, and for each of them, their work is really precious.”
For instance, before photography came into being, we relied on painters and paintings for capturing memories. But has photography diluted the essence of art? Perhaps not.
“For someone who has always enjoyed Studio Ghibli films, they will continue to do so and value them just as much. But this new trend opens a door for people who were yet to discover the magic of Miyazaki,” says Deepshikha.
Perhaps they have a point. We can’t deny how AI has been generating some insane images while reimagining these artworks. You can get a glimpse of the eccentric photos here:
So, is AI diluting the essence of art? It may or may not be the case – that is up for discussion, given that its accuracy is questionable at this point. That being said, AI is a fast learner, so what we currently perceive as fun and games could be a threat in the future.
