Can AI Be Considered an Artist?

CSM professor to explore whether artificial intelligence can create art on its own

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:30am

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College of San Mateo professor Mohsen Janatpour will lead a presentation exploring whether artificial intelligence can be considered an artist in its own right, rather than just a tool used by human artists. The event will also feature an exhibition of Janatpour's own non-AI-generated artwork and a stargazing session with the San Mateo County Astronomical Society.

Why it matters

As AI becomes more advanced and integrated into creative processes, there are growing debates around whether AI systems can be considered true artists capable of original artistic expression, or if they are simply tools used by human creators. This discussion has implications for the future of art, creativity, and the role of technology in the arts.

The details

Janatpour's presentation, titled "Art Without An Artist: Can AI Be Considered An Artist?", will explore the philosophical and practical questions around whether AI can be viewed as an artist in its own right. The event is being hosted by the Associated Students of College of San Mateo and the school's Math/Science Division.

  • The presentation will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 7:30 - 9:30 pm.
  • Following the presentation, weather permitting, the audience will be invited to a telescopic observation of the sky with assistance from the San Mateo County Astronomical Society and the CSM Astronomy Department.

The players

Mohsen Janatpour

A professor at College of San Mateo who will be leading the presentation on whether AI can be considered an artist.

Associated Students of College of San Mateo

The student organization hosting the event along with the school's Math/Science Division.

San Mateo County Astronomical Society

The astronomy group assisting with the stargazing session after the presentation.

CSM Astronomy Department

The college's astronomy department also helping with the stargazing activity.

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What they’re saying

“Artificial intelligence has become part of almost everything we do, especially in the creation of art. The speed at which art is made has increased tremendously. In this talk, I want to explore whether we can think of artificial intelligence as an artist.”

— Mohsen Janatpour, Professor

What’s next

Following the presentation, weather permitting, the audience will be invited to a telescopic observation of the sky with assistance from the San Mateo County Astronomical Society and the CSM Astronomy Department.

The takeaway

This event will spark important discussions around the role of technology in art and creativity, and whether AI systems can truly be considered artists in their own right rather than just tools used by human creators.