Artists are not their work.
Art, while subjective in its quality and designation, is merely the product of the artist who created it. Outside of the creative process, the two are separate entities.
This fact is lost in the current culture of condemnation and cancellation. Once-loved art is shunned solely on the actions and opinions of its creators.
What an artist does in their personal life may be scrutinized. In many cases it should be criticized — attacked, even — depending on the behaviour in question.
Their work, on the other hand, should not.
Several years ago Neil Young spoke some very critical words regarding Canada’s oil industry. Soon after, many people demanded radio stations stop playing his music as if his opinions suddenly changed its value.
Ted Nugent is another example of someone who rubs people the wrong way. Though he often acts like a raving madman with questionable beliefs, this doesn’t change his music.
The fact that his music is awful has nothing to do with his political views.
Did Michael Jackson do the terrible things he’s been accused of? Maybe. But regarding his decades-long musical catalogue, does it matter?
I use music as an example because it seems the most commonly criticized when its creator does something unappealing. But this phenomenon spans all forms of creative work. From paintings and poetry to movies and television.
Charles Bukowski was a womanizer and a notorious drunk — also a brilliant writer. William S Burroughs thought it would be fun to try and shoot a glass off the top of his wife’s head with a revolver. He missed.
Degas was famously anti-Semitic, Picasso a misogynist. Banksy is politically outspoken and a vandal.
Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, Leonardo Dicaprio, Kanye West, Kevin Spacey, Robert Downey Jr, Louis CK, Morrisey…
They’ve all upset people on one level or another. Some voiced unpopular opinions, others have violated serious moral and ethical boundaries. A handful are simply douchebags. They’re grouped here not because of their personal actions but for what they share: wonderfully creative work.
And these are just the people we know about.
Everyone has their faults, some are just more public than others.
Appreciate art for the sake of the work, not the person who created it.