Brian Sewell, the legendary art critic known for his sharp wit and ruthless critiques, is making an unexpected return—albeit in AI form. Nearly a decade after his death in 2015, Sewell’s biting commentary will reappear in the pages of the newly rebranded London Standard magazine. According to Deadline, Sewell 2.0 will critique the Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition, currently on display at the National Gallery in London. The project, described as a one-off “experimental AI review,” is supported by Sewell’s estate and has already sparked intrigue about how faithfully AI can recreate his distinctive, cutthroat tone.
Sewell, who became famous for his unapologetically harsh reviews during his three-decade tenure at The Evening Standard, was notorious for leaving no artist unscathed by his razor-sharp opinions. In his lifetime, he had famously scorched many contemporary artists, including Banksy, whom he once said “should have been put down at birth.” Damien Hirst, another frequent target, bore the brunt of one of Sewell’s most infamous reviews in which he described an exhibition as “fucking dreadful,” with characteristic irreverence.
The AI incarnation of Sewell promises to resurrect this unparalleled venom, but exactly how this digital resurrection will capture his iconic “plummy vowels” and vitriolic genius remains to be seen. This endeavor raises interesting questions about the intersection of AI and culture—can an algorithm accurately reflect the essence of such a strong and singular voice? For now, art lovers and skeptics alike await Sewell’s virtual return to the pages of London’s art scene, poised to critique from beyond the grave.
