[Repost] Remove the artist from the art
It's about you not them
If you see a stunning statue while strolling through the streets of Athens, Greece, does it matter if the artist wasn’t a good father? Or didn’t pay his taxes? Would you stop enjoying the statue with that information?
If someone helps you pick up your groceries after they fell out of your bag while you’ve got two screaming kids in your arms, does it matter if they cheated on the SAT in high school? Or if they are a hardcore supporter of insert-rival-political-party? Would you not accept their help with that information?
Thanks to my invisible mentor Derek Sivers, I ripped the covers off of every book on my shelf. I considered burning them, but settled for tossing them in the trash. Because I don’t care who wrote the book. All that matters is their ideas and what I decide to do with them.
Michael Jackson is one of my favorite artists. My wife often has to snap me out of a daze after I’ve watched three hours of the “Pretty young thing” music video on repeat. And guess what? I don't support child molesting. But I can appreciate great music.
The examples may seem silly, but my point is not: what matters is what the art does to you, not the artist who made it. And I say that as an artist. If something I write is useful to you, that’s great. But don't let my personal pitfalls distract you from the message.
I ask people if they like a certain comedian, but often they have already dismissed their work because the comedian got canceled over some rumor from their personal life. That’s stupid.
If you can’t separate the art from the artist what you’re really saying is, “Since that artist isn’t perfect, I can’t appreciate anything they’ve done.”
But the act of consuming art is really about you and what you do with it. All that matters is how the art impacts you, no matter the source. Apply it to your own life in a way that works for you.
It was never about the artist. It’s about you.
Your thoughts? Please leave a reply below.
Although I appreciate your thoughts and stance, I would have to respectfully disagree! All art is consumed under systems that are inherently meant to disenfranchise certain populations. Artists are not isolated from these systems (capitalism, patriarchy, white supremacy) and the ways in which they contribute to these systems and thus promote the dehumanization of historically vulnerable populations influences how many throughout the world treat these people as well. By separating art from the artist, we may inadvertently overlook or downplay the consequences of their behavior, which can be harmful to victims and perpetuate a culture of impunity. Holding artists accountable for their actions sends a message that certain behaviors are not acceptable! This can contribute to a more ethical and responsible artistic community, where hopefully artists and the general public alike are mindful of the impact of their actions on others. :) Just my thoughts!
How I wish I could agree wholeheartedly!
Unfortunately my problem lies within when the art you consune actively supports and generates income for said artist. For example, if Michael Jacksom would still be alive you would, by watching that music video on repeat, actively be giving him money from the advertisement-income generated by that.
The same goes for me with my Harry Potter-obsession. I try separating JK Rowling from the franchise but I always watch or read with a little twinge of guilt because you never can fully separate art from artist as long as the artist is alive.