Laurence Gartel: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Art has always evolved alongside technology. From the printing press that made illustration accessible, to photography that redefined realism, to digital tools that opened up entirely new dimensions of expression—each advancement has reshaped the creative landscape. Today, we find ourselves at the threshold of yet another revolution: automation. Leading this bold new chapter is Robohood, a groundbreaking company fusing artificial intelligence with robotics to transform digital images into genuine, hand-painted masterpieces. Far from being a novelty, Robohood’s technology represents a paradigm shift—where the brushstrokes may be robotic, but the artistry remains deeply human. And who better to embody this synergy than Laurence Gartel, the trailblazing Father of Digital Art. As a pioneer who’s always been ahead of the curve, Gartel is the perfect ambassador for this thrilling convergence of art and innovation.

Robohood has engineered an advanced robotic painting system that empowers anyone—from professional artists to complete beginners—to transform digital images into stunning, hand-painted works on canvas. Unlike traditional printing, which compresses visuals into flat, two-dimensional surfaces, Robohood’s technology brings depth, texture, and emotion to each piece through authentic brushwork. The process begins by uploading an image into the system, where Robohood’s AI—driven by machine learning and computer vision—analyzes the composition and translates it into a detailed sequence of brushstrokes. A robotic arm, wielding real paintbrushes, then brings the image to life layer by layer, capturing the essence of styles like realism, impressionism, or even creating a custom blend. This isn’t just automation—it’s a revolutionary collaboration between human creativity and machine precision, reimagining what it means to make art.

Known globally as the “Father of Digital Art,” Gartel has spent more than five decades pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. Long before Photoshop or NFTs, Gartel was using computers as a creative medium. His career began in the 1970s alongside Nam June Paik at Media Study/Buffalo, one of the earliest experimental digital art spaces. He earned his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, studying alongside the likes of Keith Haring, and even taught Andy Warhol how to use the Amiga computer – ushering one of pop art’s biggest names into the digital realm.

“Technology is a never ending journey. It can be exciting and eye-opening if you allow it to be. Never get stuck in the past. There are new paradigms, and infinite ways to expand self expression with new tools. There is nothing to fear. Be open to what may be just around the horizon.” – Laurence Gartel, Digital Media Pioneer.  Over the years, Gartel has worked with brands such as ABSOLUT vodka, Coca Cola and a wide array of cultural icons including: Debbie Harry (Blondie), Sid Vicious (Sex Pistols), Wendy O. Williams (Plasmatics), Justin Timberlake & Britney Spears and even served as the official artist of the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Long Beach Museum of Art, the Norton Museum of Art, and is part of permanent collections at the Smithsonian Institution and Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

But Gartel’s influence isn’t just historical—it’s ongoing. Today, as Robohood’s Artist Ambassador, he is once again at the cutting edge, transforming his digital masterpieces into physical paintings using Robohood’s robotic system. His recent exhibition, “Analog, Digital, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics: The Universe of Laurence Gartel,” highlighted the convergence of human creativity and machine precision, earning acclaim for its bold exploration of what art can be in the AI age. “We’re at the intersection of possibility and imagination,” Gartel has said. “Robohood is a new brush for the digital artist.”

Automation is changing how art is made. And it’s giving rise to a new kind of artistic expression—one where creators like Laurence Gartel are fusing decades of traditional artistic philosophy with cutting-edge robotics. In the hands of a visionary, technology becomes more than a tool – it becomes a partner. As Gartel has shown time and time again, great artists embrace new mediums not to replace the old, but to expand what’s possible.

From oil to pixels, from canvas to code, from brush to bot – the story of art has always been one of transformation. Robohood and artists like Gartel are simply writing its next chapter. To learn more about Laurence Gartel’s work with Robohood, please visit: www.robohood.com/laurencegartel

Art lovers and collectors are cordially invited to explore artworks by Laurence Gartel, please visit www.gartelmuseum.com and follow the artist on Instagram @laurencegartel