Recently, a video showcasing Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa painting singing a song has gained significant traction online after being generated using Microsoft's AI tool named VASA-1. This innovative technology allows users to manipulate a static image to give the illusion of movement and speech, resembling scenes reminiscent of Hogwarts halls from Harry Potter, as described by the creator. By utilizing VASA-1, users can make cartoon characters, images, and paintings appear to sing or speak based on their preferences, bringing virtual characters to life with visual affective skills.
In the viral clip, which has amassed millions of views on social media, the song was written and performed by actor Anne Hathaway during an appearance on Conan O'Brien's talk show in 2011. Microsoft characterized this creation as a "framework for generating lifelike talking faces of virtual characters with appealing visual affective skills," driven by a single static image paired with a speech audio clip. Notably, the AI tool VASA-1 supports the online production of 512 x 512 videos at a frame rate of up to 40fps, with minimal initial latency, showcasing its capabilities in the digital animation realm.
The public response to this viral phenomenon has been varied, with netizens expressing contrasting viewpoints on the novelty of the AI-generated Mona Lisa singing clip. While some viewers found the video highly entertaining, prompting laughter and amusement, others questioned the necessity and potential drawbacks of such technological advancements. This event coincides with a broader discussion on deepfakes and AI applications, particularly in the context of India where concerns have emerged regarding the dissemination of fake videos involving Bollywood celebrities critiquing Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha elections. These deepfakes have raised apprehensions about AI manipulation influencing political discourse and perceptions, particularly as the country grapples with the ramifications of digitally altered content surfacing online.