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Intelligence Squared

Monsters and Masterpieces: Art in the Age of #MeToo

Nov 12, 2023
Claire Dederer, an insightful author and critic, delves into the messy intersection of art and morality. She examines whether we can still enjoy the works of artists who have committed serious misdeeds, igniting a conversation about the implications of cancel culture. Dederer reflects on the emotional complexity of these dilemmas and the need for future generations to confront the histories of controversial figures. With host Lisa Taddeo, they explore how the #MeToo movement reshapes our understanding of artistic value versus personal actions.
32:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the challenge of separating art from the problematic actions of artists, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the viewer's lived experiences and cultural contexts.
  • The episode raises the dilemma of introducing art created by controversial artists to future generations, highlighting the subjective nature of the audience's experience and the need for ongoing dialogue.

Deep dives

Navigating the Cultural Landscape Amid Cancel Culture

The podcast episode explores the dilemma faced by individuals when consuming art and creative works made by artists whose reputations have become tarnished. The conversation delves into the challenge of separating the art from the artist, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement and increased awareness of artists' wrongdoings. The discussion acknowledges the ubiquity of biography in the digital age, making it impossible to unknow an artist's problematic actions. The episode highlights the importance of subjectivity in valuing art and encourages the acknowledgement of the viewer's lived experiences and cultural contexts. The concept of cancel culture is questioned, with an emphasis on engaging in meaningful conversations across generations to understand different perspectives.

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