'Everyone please calm down': Artist behind controversial Glasgow AI mural urges calm from critics

The artist behind a controversial new mural in Glasgow has spoken out. Rogue One, who is known for artwork displayed across the country, said that the project was in its “very early stages”.

The mural was criticised for its apparent use of AI in the design - including the appearance of the non-native bald eagle in imagery. The design was submitted by Derek Paterson to planners last year and was approved earlier this week

Mr Paterson defended the design, which will be painted on a wall on Elmbank Street, by saying that AI would not be used in the final design of the project - but, at the time, gave no hints around who had been commissioned to complete the mural.

Now Rogue One has said he will be taking on the mural and defended the project, saying that the use of AI is a placeholder for the eventual design - stating that “Derek… is no artist.”

Rogue One posted on Facebook: “The Elmbank mural is in very early stages. Balmoral estates/owner of the building basically just had the idea to have a mural painted. No money, no permissions. Just a quick chat with me about the project. I've been very busy last year and it looks like I'll be very busy again this year. So I've had no time to create a real design myself for this piece of art! And as I say, there was no money. Derek, from Balmoral estates is no artist, but he wanted to get the ball rolling. He wanted to see if he could get planning permission and perhaps some funding to actually make a new mural happen. So he tried AI to make a mock up of an idea for the purpose of forms, with the full intention of allowing me to create a complete artistically done design either similar or even a different theme, if everything was granted.”

The design features Highland cows, a stag, a steam train, a worker wearing a flat cap and a building resembling Stirling’s Wallace Monument. Artists across the city have criticised the project, saying that human involvement should have happened from the start.

Mr Paterson, who spoke of the abuse he had received online, told the BBC that he was “attempting to convey a story which celebrates Glasgow's rich industrial heritage whilst tipping a hat to the city's industrial future” and that the artist would have a blank canvas to work on.

Rogue One said that it will be months before the project begins and urged people to “calm down”.

He said: “Rest assured lovely people of Glasgow, that in due course a fantastic mural fully designed and painted by myself will be done!

“Everyone please calm down. There's more important things to moan about in the world.”