A large, 20-foot banner created with artificial intelligence for a Cambridge arcade was stolen in late August, highlighting a growing debate over the use of AI in public art. The owner of Dx Arcade reported the theft of the $5,500 artwork, which was taken from a wall in Central Square, prompting a police investigation into what could be classified as art theft.
Key Takeaways
- A 20-by-10 foot banner advertising Dx Arcade in Cambridge was stolen on August 31.
- The artwork, which cost $5,500, was created by a local artist using AI tools.
- The theft is believed to be linked to a local controversy over the role of AI in street art.
- Cambridge police are investigating the incident and exploring multiple leads.
Theft in Broad Daylight
On August 31, a large banner promoting the Dx Arcade was forcibly removed from a wall on Pearl Street in Cambridge's Central Square. According to police reports, the incident occurred in broad daylight. All that remains are the studs that once held the artwork in place.
Sean Hope, the owner of Dx Arcade, described the feeling as a "gut punch." He compared the experience to having his car broken into, expressing a sense of violation. The arcade, located at 580 Massachusetts Avenue, had displayed the banner since its opening in February of this year.
The Cambridge Police Department has confirmed an active investigation into the theft. Sergeant Robert Reardon stated that detectives are following up on several leads. Hope intends to file an insurance claim to cover the financial loss from the artwork and its installation.
Incident Details
- What: 20x10 foot banner stolen
- Where: Pearl Street, Central Square, Cambridge
- When: August 31, 2023
- Value: $5,500 (art and installation)
An Artwork Born from AI
The stolen banner was a unique piece commissioned by Hope and created by local artist Brian Life. The two collaborated for approximately five months, using AI as a tool to develop the final image. The artwork depicted a futuristic vision of Central Square, filled with neon signs and storefronts, including a representation of the Dx Arcade itself.
Hope, who has a background as a zoning attorney, said he wanted the piece to function both as an advertisement and as a visual concept for what the area could become in the future. "I really went for something that looked like an advertisement, it looked like a picture," he explained.
The use of artificial intelligence in its creation, however, became a point of contention within the local arts community.
Debate Over Technology and Street Art
The banner's location across from the well-known Graffiti Alley placed it at the center of a discussion about technology's place in street art. Gary Strack, who established Graffiti Alley in 2007 as a legal space for public art, noted that there was conversation this summer about the appropriateness of using AI for such a project.
"The question sort of goes, ‘does AI have a place in street art?’ AI is a tool lots of artists use, no doubt, but it’s interesting that now it’s coming down to the street level."
Strack explained that the street art community often developed as a reaction against commercial billboards and advertising. Some artists may have viewed the AI-generated banner, which also promoted a business, as a departure from the culture's roots.
A History of Vandalism
Prior to its theft, the banner was targeted by vandals. Hope reported that someone had spray-painted the message "f*** AI" directly onto the artwork, signaling clear opposition to its creation method. This act of vandalism reinforced his belief that the theft was motivated by this specific controversy.
"They might assume that it was cheaper, quicker, and did not include an artist," Hope suggested, countering that he worked closely with Brian Life for months on the project. Public sentiment has been divided, with some residents expressing support for the banner's removal. One individual, Caden Ahmed, told NBC 10, "I don’t think businesses should use AI for advertising. I’m happy it’s gone."
The Nature of Graffiti Alley
Gary Strack described Graffiti Alley as a "temporal" space, where art is not meant to be permanent. Creations are constantly being painted over by new works. Because of this transient nature, he said he was not surprised that the banner was ultimately removed, viewing it as part of the impermanent culture of street-level art.
Police Investigation and Potential Charges
The Cambridge Police Department is treating the case seriously. Sergeant Reardon mentioned that the suspects could face charges of "art theft," a classification that takes into account the nature of the stolen item. The potential motivation behind the crime could play a role in how the case is handled.
For Sean Hope, the incident is a significant loss, both financially and emotionally. The banner was not only a marketing tool for his new business but also a piece he had invested significant time and creative energy into. The theft leaves a blank wall in Central Square and raises complex questions about art, technology, and community acceptance in public spaces.