'Nothing to do with AI': Mural stramash over plans for Elmbank Street artwork
Glasgow City Council have approved a proposal from businessman Derek Paterson to create a mural for a tenement building wall on Elmbank Street.
The image submitted with the council application has attracted significant attention from online commenters who criticised the artwork and its us of AI to create an image inspired by Scotland’s heritage. When plans were approved this week, outrage reached a crescendo.
Now businessman Derek Paterson, who submitted the planning application has said that the image was an indicative drawing not the proposed design for the site. A local artist will be commissioned to complete the artwork.
The image that was submitted with the application is a pastiche of a Scottish scene with Highland cows, a stag, a steam train, wind turbines, and a worker wearing a flat cap amidst a rural setting.
Paterson said: "From the outset I have stressed to the artist that he has a blank canvas to work on and I will merely provide the theme.
"I'm attempting to convey a story which celebrates Glasgow's rich industrial heritage whilst tipping a hat to the city's industrial future.
"I can't stress enough that AI will have nothing to do with the mural. It was merely an indicative drawing attempting to convey an idea on which the mural will be loosely based, but the artist will have licence to let his creative juices flow, within reason and subject to the council's guidelines."
The planning application said: "The proposed mural seeks to improve and mask the unsightly grey expanse of the existing roughcast gable wall.
"It hopes to celebrate Scotland's rich energy heritage and its ongoing commitment to renewable, sustainable energy sources.
"The mural aims to capture the seamless integration of technology and nature that defines Scotland's modern energy landscape, while paying homage to its natural beauty."