'Avatar' Director James Cameron Wants a Break From AI, Digital World as He Showcases His Art in Paris

The Avatar director himself has spoken, and James Cameron wants the world to "unplug" every now and then from the digital world, also giving his thoughts about taking a break from AI. While unbeknownst to many, Cameron is an artist on pen and paper and other forms of hand-drawn art, something which he shared to be the basis for most of his films before being filmed, designed, and, in the latter stages of his career, computer generated.

He is currently showcasing his works in Paris through the exhibit known as "The Art of James Cameron," which shows all the pegs and inspirations for what is now known as his contribution to film history.

Avatar's James Cameron Wants a Break from AI and the Digital World

The 69-year-old Canadian filmmaker and artist James Cameron is now sharing his art with the world. It is now available at a showcase in Paris that will run until January 2025. According to the SCMP, Cameron also detailed his life in his works, something he still holds in high regard for the modern world. He also advises the world to "unplug from time to time" in this digital age.

Cameron was also asked about his sentiments about AI's growth, and here, he said, "Artificial general intelligence is a giant question mark. I think we should pump the brakes on that."

He also regarded AI as taking massive data and information from the internet and other digital sources, referring to it as "putting our subconscious mind out into the world," coming back through the generative AI tech available.

Drawing with Pen and Paper Made James Cameron Who He Is

Drawing is becoming a lost art. Even the artists that work with me now, don't usually put pencil to paper... They think of me as the dinosaur because I come in and draw something. But I have to feel it in the lines and textures.

James Cameron

Cameron's drawings inspired his films, including renowned classics like Aliens (1986), The Terminator (1984), The Abyss (1989), the Avatar franchise, and more.

The design and inspiration for his films came from his drawings, which he had earlier dreamed of and then translated into the films we know today.

Generative AI in Today's World Amidst Artists

As Cameron regarded in his interview, drawing is already fading into the background, and this is because of technological advancements like the digital world and the arrival of generative AI. There is already a power struggle between generative AI and human work, as studies show that most people can no longer distinguish one over the other but still prefer those done by other people over the tech.

Art is indeed becoming a lost form, especially in this digital age where one can do it faster and better using technology, but that is not yet at the point where it is dying. This is because artists and researchers are still working towards preserving these art forms, especially with their actions that protect these works from generative AI and its training.

There are still companies who believe that using AI for what they have to offer is not a way to go, and there are artists who are now facing the threat of generative AI and its growth.

Cameron still envisions a world where pen and paper are still mighty, one that could change massive perceptions about it through the work of art, which is irreplaceable despite the digital world and generative AI's presence now.