The Creativity of Text-based Generative Art

Text-based generation of digital images has made a giant leap towards becoming a mainstream phenomenon. With text-based generative systems, anybody can create digital images and artworks. This raises the question of whether text-based generative art is creative. This paper expounds on the nature of human creativity involved in text-based generative art with a specific focus on the practice of prompt engineering, drawing on Rhodes's conceptual model of creativity. The paper critiques the current product-centered view of creativity which may fall short in the context of text-based generative art. An case exemplifying this shortcoming is provided and future opportunities for research on text-based generative art are outlined.