Madonna has criticised the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the creative industry, saying technology-driven processes discourage artistic risk-taking and undermine the essence of making art.

Speaking in a recent interview with Vogue Italia, the music icon reflected on how the creative process has changed over the years, lamenting the decline of collaborative artistic spaces.

“Once you were around painters and musicians and dancers and artists in one place and working from a very pure place for each other. I value that experience a lot,” Madonna said. “Nowadays, you don’t do that anymore. Now, to have a record deal, you think about how many followers you have.”

She argued that the industry’s increasing focus on data and technology is replacing artistic freedom.

“That’s why in ‘Bring Your Love’ I say, ‘Don’t try to distract me with numbers’. For me, it started not thinking about the charts, the streaming numbers. Algorithms and artificial intelligence are the opposite of taking risks, and to me, that is the opposite of making art.”

Madonna also revealed that she intentionally disconnects from technology when seeking inspiration for new music.

“Lately, it’s been hard because of my record and so many things connected to it. But I do like to take breaks… and disappear. Because that’s how you fuel your imagination,” Madonna explained. “You have to have stillness, and you have to have days where you’re just connecting to nature, my children, my horses.”

The singer has previously criticised modern technology’s impact on human interaction. During a Q&A at the premiere of Confessions II – The Film, she said social media has created a “persistent need” to document everything and urged fans to “put your fucking phones down and connect.”