Kennedy Mural Blasted As AI Slop By Local Artists, Commuters

Wintrust Bank's Mural Building has ignited controversy for featuring AI-generated art, prompting local artists and commuters to criticize the decision as undermining human creativity. The mural, commissioned by Hope Ignites Chicago, has been labeled "AI slop" on social media, with complaints highlighting its visual impact and the implications for local artists' livelihoods. Wintrust Bank has provided mural space to over 50 nonprofits since 2014, allowing them to collaborate with artists to tell their stories. However, the current artwork reflects a shift towards cost-effective AI solutions. Cristian Roldán Aponte, an artist set to replace the mural, remarked that machines lack the critical thinking and creativity inherent to human artists.

He plans to create a mural celebrating the Community Investment Corporation without AI involvement. Wintrust spokesperson Amy Yuhn defended the use of AI, stating it does not diminish the importance of the nonprofits' missions. Despite the backlash, the bank has no intention of banning AI in future mural projects.