ART vs .
the ARTIST
Erik Tanner
Scott Roth
Larry Marano
Timothy A . Clary
Is it possible to avoid having an artist ’ s history influence the way we see his or her work ? In doing so , do we excuse inappropriate behavior ? Countless articles have been written about this topic , and for some it ’ s as simple as we have to separate the art from the artist . There has to be a way to tactfully do so without putting our own morals into question , because if not , a whole lot of potentially life-changing art goes to waste . If you want to avoid any work of art that has been influenced by an accused predator , you have to avoid nearly every work of art . But the degrees of separation just aren ’ t enough in many cases , and it can be hard not to make assumptions about those who still support these controversial creators .
At the end of the day , art and the artist ’ s biography are not easily separated . For example , in the case of Louis C . K ., no bit can ever be listened to the same – they will forever be tarnished by the undertones of his reputation . For the music industry in particular , there have been countless accusations of artists over the years . As I write this , I ’ m listening to XXXTENTACION , an artist who has been in the news recently for his death and his assault accusations . Everytime I play his music I ’ m faced with the question of if listening to him is somehow in direct conflict with my own moral values . Am I somehow passively saying that I approve of his actions in his personal life by enjoying his music ? Is debating this a waste a time that could be better spent supporting artists who speak out against abusers and their actions ? Or is listening to his music really not such a big deal if I ’ m conscious of his history ?
With Kanye West , whose political views I so wholeheartedly disagree with , I ’ ve so far chosen to simply avoid his work for the time being . But , as someone who genuinely believes that he is the best and most influential artist in his genre , this isn ’ t so easy to do . His political views don ’ t negate the fact that the progression of hip hop has been enormously influenced by his musical genius .
My general rule of thumb is this : I can consume a work of art whose maker has a bad history if that consumption does not benefit him or her monetarily . So I can continue to listen to a Kanye album I ’ ve had in my collection previously , but purchasing a new one is a no-no .
I was struggling to determine my answer to this long-winded debate when XXXTENTACION came on shuffle while I was driving with the windows down . I immediately changed it for fear that someone might hear , and with that , I had my answer . Cleary , subconsciously , I find listening to his music shameful . At the end of the day I truly believe it is impossible to divide the creator and their creations . They are simply too integrally intertwined .
This isn ’ t to say that if I catch someone listening to Chris Brown on the street that I ’ ll immediately assume they support assaulters . Nothing is that black and white and the issue is truly subjective . If you , the listener / consumer , can take in a work of art created by a controversial artist without worrying about the potential guilt of having someone overhear , then I think you have your answer . Seeing Louis C . K . makes me want to gag , listening to XXXTENTACION gives me a twinge of internal guilt , but listening to Kanye West is something I can ’ t give up .
The most important aspect of all of this is that we are aware of the backgrounds of the creators we are supporting . To blindly support an artist regardless of their actions would be short-sighted and ill-informed . Question your support of them and make educated decisions for yourself , knowing what ’ s most important to you . BY EMMA GARTON