  In recent years Generative Machine Learning systems have advanced
significantly. A current wave of generative systems use text prompts to create
complex imagery, video, even 3D datasets. The creators of these systems claim a
revolution in bringing creativity and art to anyone who can type a prompt. In
this position paper, we question the basis for these claims, dividing our
analysis into three areas: the limitations of linguistic descriptions,
implications of the dataset, and lastly, matters of materiality and embodiment.
We conclude with an analysis of the creative possibilities enabled by
prompt-based systems, asking if they can be considered a new artistic medium.
