As a musician and performer, I think that the question of whether you need to agree with an artist’s lifestyle or politics to appreciate their art is a pertinent one. There are many types of artist, and whether they paint, write, draw, photograph, sing, dance, act, play an instrument or any other type of art they may choose, the only thing that matters in and of itself is the art. To my mind, what any particular artist chooses to do with his or her life, and what they choose to believe in is really none of my business. What matters to me is their art, and whether I connect with it or not.
I don’t think it matters if I agree with an artist’s lifestyle choices or political beliefs when it comes to their art. If I like the art, whatever it may be, I like the art. I don’t care. I sincerely believe that the artist’s choices are a part of their private life, which may or may not influence their art.
No one would expect a person to enjoy someone’s art purely because they shared a lifestyle choice or political belief; that would be silly. So I think equally that it is silly to dislike someone’s art based solely on disagreeing with their lifestyle or political beliefs.
I would like to think that if someone were to enjoy my music, they would enjoy that music on its own merits, separate from me as a person and what I may think or believe. And I personally try to extend the same to other artists. Because in the end, isn’t it the art that matters?
Storm In A B-Cup 
Hey, I found your blog via the pingbacks of the Daily Prompt posts, and, erm, I’d like to give a little feedback. I agree to some extent. You don’t have to approve of someone to like their work. However, if this someone is going to spend your money (the money you pay to own a part/piece of their work) on things like child porn and fur, well… then the artist is definitely going to miss out on my money because I am in no way supporting that. But other than this, I agree. Live and let live.
Thankyou for your feedback!! To be honest, I suppose I didn’t really consider the money side, especially the possibility of money going to…nefarious purposes I guess. That’s an ugly side that I just didn’t see (maybe I’m naive). Thanks for your point of view!!
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I like your stand. Art is vast though. Some art form of arts are derived from the personality of the artist. Those that have to do with body physiology, facial expressions and maybe dances. The words, the dressing, the body movements and a whole lot, could be display a lot or portray a lot about the artist.
Lovely response to the prompt.
I need to think more about this. When I think of certain artists such as Roman Polanski or Mel Gibson I struggle to allow myself to appreciate their art because of who they are…
But art is art right? I need to think this one out!
Great answer!
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