EASTENDERS star Jake Wood has issued an apology after a furious backlash to his new art career after his usage of AI-generated imagery.
The star, best known for playing Max Branning on the BBC soap opera, recently began to dabble in the art world and displayed some of his recent work at the Indelible Fine Art exhibition.
However, he was soon met with a barrage of criticism after his works were found to incorporate AI images.
It led to speculation and discussion about how involved Jake was in his works and whether he had simply submitted AI-content for the exibition.
Now, having his say, Jake has confirmed he will no longer be using AI in his pieces as well as clarifying the reasons why he did in a lengthy statement.
Jake said online: “I think it’s important to address some of the discussion surrounding my exhibition currently on display at Indelible Fine Art Gallery.
“Whilst I acknowledge that two of the images featured in the exhibition,
Attenborough and Trump, incorporated AI- generated source imagery, these images were not personally generated by me and already existed prior to being used within the works.
“These particular pieces were created in 2024 and were not originally intended for inclusion in this exhibition.
“Since then I have not used AI within my artworks and do not intend to moving forward.”
He continued: “I understand the concerns and wider debate around AI in art, and I respect the opinions being expressed.
“As a relatively new artist, this period has been part of my own creative development in discovering both a style and a process that I am happy with.
“Inevitably, that journey involves learning, evolving and making mistakes along the way. I would like to apologise to the gallery for any negative Commentary directed towards them.
“Indelible Fine Art are a brilliant small independent gallery in Brighton that supported me and the exhibition in good faith, with the shared intention of creating fun whilst also raising awareness of dementia and money for Dementia UK.
“I am really sad that the conversation around the exhibition has shifted in this direction and may have taken attention away from the cause and the wider intentions behind the show.
“Raising awareness of dementia and supporting Dementia UK remain incredibly important to me and, following the recent discussion, 100% of my profits from the exhibition will be donated to the charity.”
One of the pieces in question was a portrait showing Sir David sitting on a throne surrounded by nature and animals.
“Here’s a picture I did of David Attenborough for his 100th birthday!!!” Jake wrote on social media.
“The images and photos I’ve used were already in existence and I have then collaged them (digitally or manually) and then painted over them digitally myself before printing and sticking them over a mixture of collage, spray paint and acrylic.”
Jake joined the cast of EastEnders in 2006 alongside actress Jo Joyner as Max and Tanya Branning.
He left the soap in 2021 and returned to filming last year.
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