Art and the Artist: Discordant Essays

By A. J. Sieling

What happens when your favorite book doesn't age so well? Or the actor who plays your favorite TV show character does something terrible? Or when your favorite author reveals that they are... well... not who you thought they were? 

 

As fans of art, we have to recognize that art and its creators are often problematic, especially as the values of people and society change. Which means that we have decisions to make. Do we continue to support the problematic art and the problematic people? Or do we turn our backs and instead support art and artists who aren't problematic? 

 

This essay explores the contradiction of enjoying problematic art and artists, and probes the question: what do we do when something we love has gone sour?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ariele Sieling
• Release date: Feb 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393397915

Book preview

The Art and the Artist

By A. J. Sieling

Copyright © 2021 Ariele Sieling.

Published in the United States by Ariele Sieling, author at https://www.arielesieling.com/.

First edition, 2021.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information browsing, storage, or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Cover Design: Ariele Sieling.

Trigger Warning: discussions of rape/ physical violence/ transphobia/ suicide.

This is a work of nonfiction. No names have been changed, no characters invented, no events fabricated. However, the perspective expressed in this essay is mine. Other individuals, including those referenced in this work, may have another perspective they wish to portray on the matters at hand, and I encourage you to engage with or read work by those referenced to better understand their perspective about life, this topic, and other related topics.

Although this publication is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein. This publication is meant as a source of valuable information for the reader, however it is not meant as a replacement for direct expert assistance. If such level of assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Basically, if you can’t decide what to do with a problematic book, movie, TV show, poem, or other piece of art, please talk to a licensed therapist, lawyer, consultant, or someone with a graduate degree in the arts—or the artist themselves.

Sources: all news, facts, tweets, etc. referenced in