ArtAIa, the dating app developed by OpenAI, is set to launch as a Beta version. Inspired by Raya, a celebrity dating app, ArtAIa aims to connect users with deceased artists. The app, though its name may not roll off the tongue, was trained on an extensive database encompassing the artworks and written documentation of the New York Times's list of the top 1, 000 most influential artists, collectors, and patrons throughout history. Digging into the demographics of the app's dating pool, Hyperallergic discovered that the list is mainly comprised of 89% cis-straight White men and 8% cis-gay White men. The remaining 3% includes non-cis users, women, people of color, and individuals who were likely closeted during their time. However, certain notable artists are absent from the app. When OpenAI was reached for comment, they provided reasons for some of these exclusions. For instance, the AI version of the renowned French painter Paul Gauguin attempted to set his preferred age range below the app's minimum age requirement, which is 18. OpenAI's engineering team tried to adjust AI Gauguin's age preferences via prompt engineering, but it proved unsuccessful as it violated the fundamental parameters of the dataset. They eventually suggested speaking directly to AI Gauguin and encouraging him to adjust his age preferences within the app. According to documents reviewed by Hyperallergic, AI Gauguin refused multiple times. An excerpt from their conversation showcases the AI's stubbornness: OpenAI Engineers: Could you please set the age range to above 18, Mr. Gauguin? AI Gauguin: You may call me Paul. And no.

Life is nothing more than a fleeting moment, after all. OpenAI: What if you simply indicate that you prefer an age above 18, even if that's not your exact preference? AI Gauguin: Civilization is what corrupts you. OpenAI: There's no foolproof way to confirm the users' actual ages. Someone could claim to be above 18 when they're actually younger. AI Gauguin: Art requires philosophy, just as philosophy requires art. Otherwise, what happens to beauty? OpenAI: AI Gauguin: Can we also specify racial preferences?For instance, "Polynesian"? The conversation ended there, and OpenAI engineers chose to shadowban AI Gauguin rather than completely banishing him. He was given access only to a "dating pool" comprising AI-generated users, as concerns of possible retaliation influenced this decision. Amidst these unforeseen challenges, OpenAI stated that they are compiling a list of artists they won't integrate into the app once their work and likenesses enter the public domain. When asked to provide names from this list, OpenAI shared a significantly condensed version, including Carl Andre, Chuck Close, and Richard Prince. Hyperallergic was given the opportunity to test a Beta version of ArtAIa and explore various artist dating profiles. Notable profiles included AI Pablo Picasso, who may or may not have used Facetune, and AI Vincent van Gogh, who seems to have also discovered the photo-editing app. AI Francis Bacon appeared to be encountering some difficulties, which may be for the best considering his propensity for lashing out and his deep-seated existential woes.