That artist's get special dispensation when truck drivers and other working people do not is as compelling a reason as any not to separate the art from the artist. Beautifully parsed.
I really enjoyed your thoughts on this, and it got me thinking about all the stuff that has been ruined for me, specifically by the people behind the art.
Sometimes, you want the separation between artist and artwork because the love you have for someone's work feels as if it is based on a some special, mystical connection, that something intrinsic within the art speaks directly to you. Like someone has explained something about you, to you. I think that is why artists are held to a different standard. You don't want them to be flawed (however wrong this is) because when the artist turns out to hold fundamentally differing beliefs, it not only changes your view of their work, but it makes you question your own sense of self, and whether you're an arsehole for liking them in the first place. I think that's why it's such an enticing prospect to be able to enjoy their work in isolation. Unfortunately, after any unwanted revelations, I'm never really able to do that because the work always feels slightly tainted. No matter how much you try to claw back that love, it just isn't the same.
That artist's get special dispensation when truck drivers and other working people do not is as compelling a reason as any not to separate the art from the artist. Beautifully parsed.
Beautifully said, Craig. Thank you.
Well said
I really enjoyed your thoughts on this, and it got me thinking about all the stuff that has been ruined for me, specifically by the people behind the art.
Sometimes, you want the separation between artist and artwork because the love you have for someone's work feels as if it is based on a some special, mystical connection, that something intrinsic within the art speaks directly to you. Like someone has explained something about you, to you. I think that is why artists are held to a different standard. You don't want them to be flawed (however wrong this is) because when the artist turns out to hold fundamentally differing beliefs, it not only changes your view of their work, but it makes you question your own sense of self, and whether you're an arsehole for liking them in the first place. I think that's why it's such an enticing prospect to be able to enjoy their work in isolation. Unfortunately, after any unwanted revelations, I'm never really able to do that because the work always feels slightly tainted. No matter how much you try to claw back that love, it just isn't the same.
Well reasoned and well written essay