Why we must separate the art from the artist.

by : muhamad iqbal

www.pablopicasso.org

There will be less books, artworks, and musicians for us to enjoy and learn from if we don't keep art and artists apart in this day and age.

It's important for enjoying art. People are prone to errors, and such mistakes are typically unacceptable. Nonetheless, their art does not condone their faults. People should be able to appreciate music, movies and art even if an artist has done wrong, as long as they think about it critically.

Art cannot exist as merely a trendy pop obsession. It remains even helping one to recollect cultures and civilizations that existed long ago. If only we get to know the deeper implications of the histories of art that are appropriated and do something towards the educational institutions about this, it is possible to sustain such appropriated periods of art for a reasonable period of time and allow it to evolve rather than be frozen. This is not to say that every artwork that has ever been achieved should be appreciated and practiced in schools at all times. It also implies that we have to look at the whole work rather than dismiss it simply because we have attempted to impose the creators’ ideas over the work.

One of the biggest examples of separating art from the artist is in music and visual arts. Kanye West and Pablo Picasso are both renowned for their contributions to their respective fields, yet they have also been widely criticized for controversial behavior and beliefs. Kanye West, for instance, has made statements and taken actions that many find problematic, while Picasso’s documented history of misogynistic behavior has cast a shadow over his personal character. However, Kanye’s innovative approach to music production and Picasso’s revolutionary contributions to modern art remain significant and influential.

When talking about the relationship between artists and their art, it's crucial to keep in mind that societal norms are constantly evolving. For instance, consider the film The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick. This psychological horror is celebrated for its groundbreaking visuals and eerie storytelling, yet Kubrick's intense treatment of actor Shelley Duvall during filming has been widely criticized. Despite the controversy surrounding Kubrick’s methods, The Shining remains an iconic piece of cinema with a lasting impact on horror and psychological thriller genres. If the film had been dismissed due to Kubrick’s behavior, its influence on visual storytelling and character-driven horror would have been lost to future audiences.

The most common instance of dseperating art from the artist can be seen in the realm of music. like Elvis Presley or Robert Plant, Courtney Love and Matty Healy pose similar issues Musicians who are inherently flawed individuals. However, it is important to distinguish musicians from their music, their music frequently impacts their genre and should not be disregarded.

In 1992, Nirvana's lead singer Kurt Cobain admitted to Rolling Stone that while he appreciated Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin's music, it wasn't until later that he recognized the sexism in their lyrics. Choosing to appreciate art regardless of the creator is not a way to justify the music one enjoys. It requires recognizing a artist’s imperfections and being judgemental of those we admire.

“Although I listened to Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, and I really did enjoy some of the melodies they’d written, it took me so many years to realize that a lot of it had to do with sexism.”

Another artist who has recently drawn attention, though not always for the most positive reasons, is Liam Payne, former member of One Direction. Payne has faced criticism for comments that some have interpreted as homophobic or insensitive, prompting a reevaluation among fans and the public alike. While these remarks have cast a shadow on his individual reputation, One Direction's music remains widely celebrated for its significant impact on pop culture.

Moving forward, it’s essential that we separate art from the artists who created it. Art carries historical significance and cultural weight, and instead of letting it fade into obscurity, we should strive to learn from it. ocietal standards are constantly evolving. What was considered “obscene” seventy years ago could very well be viewed as essential or important today. So rather than dismissing the art because of the artist’s shortcomings, we should appreciate the contributions that can still resonate in our changing cultural landscape.