Can you separate art from the artist ?

That is to say, can you appreciate art for its own sake, even if its artist is revealed to be despicable personally, for example, someone who was an excellent musician, actor ot producer but committed sexual assault, cheated on partners, was openly anti-Semitic or racist ?

If some ills are more acceptable to you than others, where do you draw the line ?

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robb65 · 56-60, M

There's a line there somewhere but I can't say precisely where. I'm inclined to overlook "cheating on partners". There's often more than one side to the story and it's so common that whatever conflicted feelings it causes tend to be lost in time.
On the other hand I have stronger feelings about antisemitism and racism. Did they say something they thought was funny without realizing it was offensive? Maybe I'll give them a pass. Or did they say something so stupidly offensive anyone with half a brain should have known better and then double down when called on it? If someone sounds like a raving antisemite I tend to believe that is because it's what they are. That's a hard no for me because antisemitism tends to breed more antisemitism.

At the moment I'm having trouble thinking of an artist that I found repulsive but still enjoyed their work. I could probably think of a few that I disagreed with their political views and still enjoyed their work.

bijouxbroussard · F

@robb65

I'm inclined to overlook "cheating on partners".

Yes, that’s not the best example. Perhaps someone who was physically abusive to partners. That might give me pause (personally).