Queensland Symphony Orchestra mocked for use of ‘deformed’ AI in Facebook advertisement

In an illustration of the limits of artificial intelligence, a Facebook advertisement for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has stirred controversy and debate with the pictured couple’s excessive number of fingers and a strange body hue.

Intended to promote an upcoming performance, the advertisement has been ridiculed while also prompting concern from the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA).

Intended to represent a couple in the front row at a QSO performance, the AI-generated image shows multiple fingers in the pair’s entwinned hands, a strange sheen on their skin and a clothing error with the female’s tulle gown replicated in the male’s trousers.

A mystery black cube also sits on her lap.

The promotion, which reads “Want to do something different this Saturday? Come see an orchestra play” also shows an unlikely orchestra with multiple rows of violinists seated in the audience, some playing with three hands, some with one hand and others with no hands at all.

The picture, shared by the QSO on 22nd February, appears to be sourced from stock image aggregator Shutterstock, where it is listed under the AI prompt “two people having a date at a indoor classical music romantic concert”.

On Tuesday, industry union the MEAA called it “the worst AI generated artwork we’ve seen”, noting “it is inappropriate, unprofessional and disrespectful to audiences and the musicians of the QSO.

“Creative workers and audiences deserve better from arts organisations.”

The post also attracted criticism in its replies, with comments including “Next time pay photographers” and “terrible - literally an arts organisation not using artists.”

QSO did not comment on that claim but justified their use of the AI image in a statement to Guardian Australia, advising “at QSO, we encourage exploration, innovation, experimentation and the adoption of new technologies across all facets of the business. From time to time we will use new marketing tools and techniques as we are an orchestra for all Queenslanders.”

The image originally came to light on the Slipped Disc classical music website on 24th February.

It reported that “our informant spoke to musicians last night after an outstanding Mahler 7th symphony with chief conductor Umberto Clerici. The players were furious. When they raised concerns with the new Marketing Director, they were told to ‘stay in their lane’ and it’s ‘no one else’s job to market’. One of the QSO patrons has posted: ‘What is this disgusting AI image that you are using to advertise? Do you not support actual artists?’”

Images: The AI images from the QSO advertisement showing the 'concert-goers' multiple fingers and mystery black cube (top) and the Facebook advertisement in which it was used (below).