From aura to semi-aura: reframing authenticity in AI-generated art—a systematic literature review
David Salas Espasa, Mar Camacho
Abstract
Abstract The advent of AI-generated art necessitates a re-examination of the concept of “aura,” as originally posited by Walter Benjamin, and challenges prevailing perceptions of authenticity and originality in art. This systematic review addresses a critical gap in existing literature by exploring how AI reshapes these foundational concepts, positioning this study within an emergent and under-investigated field. While Benjamin’s aura historically conveys an irreplaceable quality inherent to unique artworks, AI-generated pieces blur the lines between original and reproduction, fundamentally questioning established aesthetic and ontological values. Through an interdisciplinary synthesis of ethical, legal, and philosophical perspectives, this review identifies polarized views: some scholars advocate AI’s democratizing effect on creativity, while others criticize its perceived lack of emotional depth and authenticity. Additionally, human-AI collaborations are highlighted as a fertile area for expanding traditional artistic practices, suggesting an emergent, hybridized form of aura that stems from the synergy of human intention and machine execution. By filling a gap in current scholarship, this study provides a robust foundation for future empirical research, inviting a reconceptualization of authorship, value, and aesthetic experience in the digital art landscape.