The podcast explores Hannah Gadsby's perspective on Picasso, highlighting his influence on art and cultural misogyny, while questioning the absence of women's perspectives in his work.
The episode delves into the dilemma faced by art lovers when appreciating the works of morally questionable artists, examining the conflict between personal enjoyment of the art and the artist's problematic behavior.
Deep dives
Picasso's Impact on Art and Misogyny
The podcast episode explores Hannah Gadsby's perspective on Picasso, focusing on his influence on art and cultural misogyny. Gadsby discusses how Picasso freed artists from the constraints of reproducing realistic art and introduced multiple perspectives. However, she questions the absence of women's perspectives in his work. She further highlights the celebration of Picasso's art despite the controversies surrounding him. Gadsby co-curated an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum featuring Picasso's art alongside feminist pieces, emphasizing the need to have conversations about abusive geniuses and female representation in the art world.
The Art World's Relationship with Problematic Artists
The podcast delves into the dilemma faced by art lovers when appreciating the works of artists who have committed morally questionable acts. The discussion includes examples like Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, and Michael Jackson. Writer and critic Claire Deederer, author of 'Monsters: A Fans Dilemma', explores the conflict between personal enjoyment of the art and the artist's problematic behavior, noting that the response differs based on individual biographies and subjectivity. There is no universal standard for separating art from artist, and people may experience guilt or conflict when engaging with such works.
Challenging the Notions of Good Art and Relevance
The podcast episode critically examines the relevance and evaluation of artistic greatness, using Picasso as a case study. While acknowledging Picasso's technical prowess and historical importance in modern art, the discussion raises questions about the accessibility and relevance of his work to contemporary audiences. Gadsby emphasizes the need to view Picasso's art in the context of his era and critique the pedestal upon which the art world places him. Additionally, the episode highlights Gadsby's efforts to curate an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum that includes Picasso's work alongside feminist pieces, aiming to provide a more nuanced understanding of his art and challenge preconceived notions of artistic greatness.
Comedian Hannah Gadsby railed against Pablo Picasso in “Nanette.” So why are they curating an exhibition timed to the 50th anniversary of his death? Gadsby and author Claire Dederer explain what we should do with art from monstrous artists.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.