Grimes joining LinkedIn is artwashing at its most brazen. I should know – I released my new film on there

2026-04-20 · Source: AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian · Field: Media & Entertainment — Content Creation & Production, Creative Industries & Arts, Digital Media & Streaming · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Electronic musician Grimes, also known as Claire Boucher, has reportedly begun using LinkedIn to promote her artistic endeavors, including an appearance at Nvidia's GPU Technology Conference. This move follows her earlier claim to release music exclusively on the platform. The author, Al Warburton, describes LinkedIn as an "AI slop dystopia" and details his own experience releasing his art project, "Image Empire"—a three-and-a-half-minute public information film about 3D worlds and AI deepfakes—on the platform in early March 2026. Warburton notes that while his film initially performed well, it quickly declined due to LinkedIn's algorithm and the platform's increasing saturation with AI-generated content. He suggests Grimes's presence on LinkedIn is a form of "artwashing," serving Nvidia's corporate narrative, and highlights the broader challenges faced by creative industries due to "enshittification" and the rise of AI.

Key takeaway

For creative technologists navigating the "enshittification" of online platforms, you should critically evaluate the true value of distributing work on sites like LinkedIn. While it might offer a unique audience for tech-focused art, be aware of the platform's algorithmic limitations and the potential for your work to be perceived as "artwashing" for corporate interests. Prioritize platforms that genuinely support artistic expression over those that may dilute your message.

Key insights

LinkedIn is becoming an "AI slop dystopia" where artists engage in "artwashing" for tech giants amidst industry "enshittification."

Principles

• Platform "enshittification" displaces creative communities.
• Corporate narratives seek "storytellers" for uncritical promotion.

Method

The author released a 3.5-minute public information film, "Image Empire," on LinkedIn to engage AI disruptors and victims in conversations about tech, video games, AI, and the future of work.

In practice

• Consider LinkedIn for niche tech-focused art distribution.
• Be wary of "artwashing" when collaborating with big tech.

Topics

• Grimes
• LinkedIn
• AI Artwashing
• NVIDIA
• Image Empire Film

Best for: Creative Technologist, AI Ethicist, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian.