Art Is Independent Of The Artist So You're Not Evil To Enjoy It If It's "Bad Art" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Art Is Independent Of The Artist So You're Not Evil To Enjoy It If It's "Bad Art"

You're not a bad person because you enjoy the art of controversial artists.

49
Art Is Independent Of The Artist So You're Not Evil To Enjoy It If It's "Bad Art"
Unsplash

Art is a human activity, and for this reason it’s easy to believe that the humans responsible for creating the art are important to the art itself. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Art, when it “becomes” art, is independent of the artist who created it.

Before I explain what this means, I want to state what makes me dwell upon this subject, which is millennials’ attitude towards artists who have been found guilty of some crime or immoral act, e.g. Kevin Spacey, Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, etc. Not only do people despise these artists (which is totally understandable), but they despise anyone who still chooses to enjoy the art that these artists made.

Now, I have some idea why certain people would be turned off from, let’s say, Roman Polanski films on learning he fled the U.S. after being found guilty for statutory rape; I assume these people do so because they don’t want to support the artists by enjoying their art. However, just because you enjoy a piece of art does not mean you support the artist and it especially doesn’t mean that you condone all the actions of that artist.

Simply put, what it means is that you enjoyed a work of art. Due to the interpretive nature of art, everyone who experiences a work of art has a different perception. Therefore, the artist’s intention doesn’t matter, not only because it’s impossible to know their intentions but because the art is only what the receiver makes of it. I’m aware that, to most people, the artist is an important aspect in enjoying the piece as it gives context. My whole point here is that art shouldn’t be viewed in this way, as the artist renounces all control of their art once they finish and release it to the public.

This does not mean that art is always innocent and harmless, for lots of art is interpreted as hateful, racist, sexist, xenophobic, etc. But once again, this isn’t because the artist said or did anything, it’s because of how people reacted to their art, for it is more than possible that the artist didn’t intend to be hateful but ended up hurting people because that’s how people interpreted their art.

To give an example, there are plenty of movies that on the surface appear to be racially egalitarian (“Monster’s Ball” is a perfect example) but are actually racist due to their portrayal of minorities and how secondary these characters are to the white characters, who more often than not are made out to be the savior of these movies.

I hope this is sufficient enough to explain why I don’t have an issue with certain pieces of art, but I know it won’t be sufficient to the liberals who can’t accept the views of others. For I don’t doubt for a second that liberals would accuse someone of (to continue with Roman Polanski) approving of statutory rape for enjoying the movie “Chinatown.” Perhaps I’m being presumptuous, but it wouldn’t be the most ridiculous thing liberals have accused people of.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

192457
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16195
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458880
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27183
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments