A New York gallery has sparked controversy by presenting a colourised version of one of Ansel Adams’s most iconic photographs, using artificial intelligence. The Danziger Gallery recently exhibited the AI-coloured rendition of Adams’s 1941 image Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico during the Association of International Photography Art Dealers show.

The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust expressed strong disapproval of the gallery’s actions, accusing it of exploiting the late photographer’s name, reputation, and signature work without permission. The trust criticized James Danziger, the gallery’s founder, for not consulting or informing them prior to the exhibition.

Pete Souza, former White House photographer for presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, also condemned the reproduction, describing it as “morally wrong.”

Danziger, however, defended the colourisation, noting that the original photograph is in the public domain. He argued that this status grants him the right to produce a new and transformative work. According to Danziger, the AI-coloured version represents an interpretation of what Adams may have perceivably seen in reality, rather than merely altering the photograph.

Adams is widely celebrated for his black-and-white depictions of the American West, capturing landscapes such as Yosemite and Grand Teton national parks, the Hoover Dam, and areas of New Mexico. His work helped elevate photography as a fine art and contributed significantly to environmental advocacy. The controversy around the AI-colourised image highlights ongoing debates about artistic integrity, rights, and the evolving role of technology in the presentation of historical works.