'AI-generated mural was just to get ball rolling', Glasgow artist insists

The artist set to paint a new mural in the city has said the AI-generated mock-up of the proposed design is “just to get the ball rolling”.

The mural attracted criticism for being designed using artificial intelligence and featuring a bald eagle – a bird not native to Scotland.

Applicant Balmore Estates Limited said the mural aims to capture the “integration of technology and nature that defines Scotland’s modern energy landscape”

The initial image featured in the proposal depicts a worker in a flat cap and overalls looming over a steam train, wind turbines, highland cows, solar panels, and a stag, against a forest with a loch and castles in the background.

Street artist Rogue One has emphasised that the image was never intended as the final artwork.

In a social media statement, the artist explained that the AI-generated image was only a tool used to secure planning permission and explore funding options.

He also reassured the public that the final mural will be fully designed and hand-painted by him.

“It was merely an indicative drawing attempting to convey an idea,” he said. The Elmbank mural is in very early stages. No money, no permissions, just a quick chat about the project.

“This project still has months before anything’s done. The AI mock-up was used to get the ball rolling.”

He urged people not to overreact to the AI image and to focus on the eventual artwork.

“The whole internet and news hooha has been crazy.

“Everyone, please calm down. There are more important things to moan about in the world,” he said.

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

A mural has been approved for a building on Elmbank Street, Glasgow, based on an AI-generated impression. Balmore Estates Limited/Glasgow City Council

The director of Balmore Estates has said the AI-generated image “will have nothing to do with the mural” when it’s completed.

Derek Paterson told STV News: “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 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,” the application stated.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “I can confirm that planning consent for the proposed mural was granted. Any enquiries about the content of the proposed mural should be directed to the person who is leading on its design.”