Wow, this thread has moved from pure innocent fun, to metaphysics and now to ethics and esthetics!
I'm of the opinion that any piece of art should be judged on its own merits, regardless of the creator's behavior or lack of moral sense according to our beliefs. The problem is the tendency to idolize or even venerate talented people (nowadays even any public figure!) and then, when they inevitably fall short of expectations, it might even turn to vilification of their person and their art.
Many great artists, in all fields, have some quirks, some mental disease, something "special" from the start. That's what make them different and create art which is also different in the first place. Some become "different" after fame for a number of reasons. This does not change the value of their art in my eyes.
Who would dare to think less of Einstein's brilliant work just because of his multiple affairs? Some tried to to do it because of the fact he was Jewish! We now have a name for them.
I'm of the opinion that any piece of art should be judged on its own merits, regardless of the creator's behavior or lack of moral sense according to our beliefs. The problem is the tendency to idolize or even venerate talented people (nowadays even any public figure!) and then, when they inevitably fall short of expectations, it might even turn to vilification of their person and their art.
Many great artists, in all fields, have some quirks, some mental disease, something "special" from the start. That's what make them different and create art which is also different in the first place. Some become "different" after fame for a number of reasons. This does not change the value of their art in my eyes.
Who would dare to think less of Einstein's brilliant work just because of his multiple affairs? Some tried to to do it because of the fact he was Jewish! We now have a name for them.