Digital Byte 19: Can the Artist be Separated from Their Work?
June 20th, 2023
Can the artist be separated from their work? It's a question that has been on my mind lately; in particular, artists like Kanye West and Picasso.
As a fan of hip-hop music, I used to listen to Kanye West on repeat. However, since his antisemitic remarks, I've found it impossible to continue supporting his work. In fact, I make an effort to skip past songs of his, even the ones I used to love. It made me wonder if it's possible to appreciate an artist's creations while disagreeing with their personal beliefs or actions.
Today, we are more connected to artists than ever before. Social media and news platforms often expose the personal lives and beliefs of artists, blurring the line between the artist and their work. This brings ethical implications into focus.
In my own journey, I have concluded that I cannot fully separate Kanye West from his work. When an artist's views clash with my core values, it becomes a challenge to derive enjoyment from their creations--especially when we are able to see the artist dig his heels into his beliefs in live time on social media and in the news. But what about Picasso?
When Picasso was alive, we weren't able to see his opinions on women splashed all over Instagram and E! News. We know now that he was abusive, yet there are museums across the world dedicated to his art and genius; do we only feel able to separate his actions and his work because it feels so far away?
Despite his personal views, I have still been able to find appreciation for his art. Perhaps it is because of cultural differences, or maybe because Picasso is no longer alive. The dynamics change when we examine artists from different times and contexts.
What are your thoughts? Can the artist truly be separated from their work?
Stay inspired,
Sydney Addis
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