A University of Alaska Fairbanks student was arrested for vandalism after eating artwork created by artificial intelligence during a protest at an art show.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting creative fields. We’re seeing AI-created music and artists on platforms like Spotify, and AI-enhanced or fully generated artwork and photos are common on social media.
Many people are upset about the growing use of AI in creative fields. Some Spotify and YouTube Music users have even canceled their subscriptions until these platforms add a way to filter out AI-generated content. Major companies like Coca-Cola have also faced criticism for using AI in their holiday commercials.
At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, an art exhibition by Nick Dwyer was disrupted when another student, Graham Granger, protested his use of images created with artificial intelligence.
Student protests AI art display by eating it
According to the University of Akron’s student newspaper, Granger was arrested after being caught tearing down artwork and eating it, reportedly as a protest against artist Dwyer’s work.
Police arrested Granger after he apparently damaged at least 57 of the 160 images on display, charging him with criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Fairbanks Correctional Center and is scheduled to appear in court on January 20th.
I was really struck by the artist’s new work – he actually created the images with AI, and he said the whole thing was inspired by a really unsettling experience he had with the AI itself, almost like it was glitching out. He explained to the University Arizona Daily Wildcat that this reflects a bigger issue – that AI is becoming so powerful and unpredictable, and honestly, none of us are safe from its potential effects. It’s a little scary, but it definitely makes you think!
The protest was also discussed on Reddit, where someone claiming to be Dwyer posted more pictures of the damage.
They indicated they’re likely going to pursue legal action and file a formal complaint. They also mentioned they’ll be fixing the item, noting a significant amount of work – including installation, adjustments, and careful handcrafting – went into it. The item held personal significance for them.
My art in a gallery show was destroyed over ai use by a guy he ATE and chewed up and spit out my photos!
byu/oldboi777 inaiwars
Several people commenting online wondered if the damage was actually intentional art, but the account claiming to be Dwyer’s dismissed that idea.
Someone said they believe the person involved is an actor who filmed themselves. The police took their phone, and they may be expelled. Returning to the property would be considered trespassing.
Because Granger committed a Class B misdemeanor, they could face a fine of up to $5,000 and a minimum of 30 days in jail.
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2026-01-16 16:49