Separating the Art from the Artist

 

attenuate - verb - to reduce in value, force or effect (Google).

Every once in a blue moon, I treat myself to what metaphorically is a leisurely stroll in the park: a scan-through of The New York Times, a periodical that has always maintained an impressive reputation. As it is impossible to read all of the articles in less than an entire day, I usually page through until I get to the Op-Ed section just to see who is opining on what controversial topics are the forefront of discussion these days. Whilst skimming the section yesterday, as a professional entertainer/singer-songwriter, my eyes immediately directed me to a piece related to the creative realm. In it, the writer questions: Should the art be separated from the artist in cases where the artist does not meet moral standards of behavior? And if one does not choose to do the division, does the creation become attenuated, somewhat sullied just because the creator is amoral? If so, should both the art and artist be blacklisted or blotted out for all time? 

Personally, I believe that art can and must be viewed separately from the artist. Fine art, a play, a piece of music, etc., are presents for all to open and enjoy. Just because the vessel is mentally ill or without a moral compass shouldn't mean we should all suffer as a consequence. At this juncture, I am reminded of the film Amadeus in which Salieri denies the omnipotence of God merely because He chose Mozart, an impertinent, immature narcissist, to be the decanter of the fine wine that is his music. Salieri is not able to appreciate the compositions as ingenious without involving the composer. And there are many like Salieri out there. Unlike these people, I can consider the art and bask in it without thinking about the identity of the artist. Why? I have known and have worked with too many innovative contributors in the field, and I can tell you honestly that they are all pretty much damaged goods. Karma, the force keeping the universe in balance, tends to work that way. It is as though the gifted person is made to pay for the gift in an egregious way. "The Lord giveth, and He taketh away." Of course, this is unfortunate, but it is what it is. 

The bottomline is that any miraculous achievements should not be attenuated just because the achievers are marred, imperfect, bereft of common decency. Their achievements, most likely God given, are for all to appreciate and perhaps learn from. It would be grossly unfair to imprison the art along with the artist when the art itself is innocent of all charges. 

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