Abstract: The differences between AI and human brain determines AI’s lack of subjectivity: the nature of computation and the first-order isomorphic information processing of machines means that in information processing, AI has only one information output port, but humans have both body and consciousness output ports, which are in proto-isomorphic relationship. Consciousness port is self-oriented and generating cognition or evaluation by working together with the body port. This is exactly what AI is missing. The nature of AI computation defines the mechanical nature of its art creation: the lack of knowledge or expressions of its own determines its absence of subjectivity. Therefore, AI works are not arts if judged from the traditional perspective of the art essence theory, but from the perspective of art system theory, they can create arts although the subject of its expressions is not AI, but the human operator behind it. In this sense, AI can only be a medium. It is possible that AI expresses subjectivity, but only under the prerequisite that we face up to AI’s predicaments of subjectivity so as to give full play to its advantages and artistic innovation as a medium.

Key words: artificial intelligence (AI), art creation, mechanical nature, subjectivity, medium