Young collectors embrace AI art post-Christie’s auction

Artificial intelligence (AI) art is becoming popular among younger collectors, particularly millennials and Gen Z. This trend gained attention after Christie’s hosted its first sale of AI-generated art in February 2025. The auction, called “Augmented Intelligence,” featured artworks from various artists and sold for over $728,000, attracting nearly half of its bidders from younger generations. Traditionally, Gen X collectors dominated the art market, but younger buyers are now stepping up. Many of them are comfortable purchasing art online and are familiar with technology. Christie’s has noted that this familiarity with AI technology makes younger collectors more appreciative of the art created using AI. The rise of AI art has encountered some controversy. Critics argue that AI models exploit human artists by using their work without permission. However, Christie’s maintains that the artists in their sale are recognized and have existing practices in other art forms. The legal landscape surrounding AI art is still unclear, especially concerning copyright issues. Younger collectors find AI art appealing because it resonates with their experiences as digital natives. They appreciate the collaborative story behind AI-generated artworks, seeing them as a reflection of the technological influences in their lives. This makes AI art feel relatable and relevant to their cultural moment. As interest in AI art grows, demand is expected to rise. More galleries are starting to embrace AI practices, viewing them as a gateway for new collectors. Some experts believe that AI art will transition from a niche interest to a vital part of contemporary art collections. The excitement among younger collectors suggests that the art market is undergoing significant changes as technology continues to evolve.