Art Quote by Fred Kaplan
“It should be quite clear that it is possible for unpleasant people who are small in various ways other than in their artistic genius to produce great art. Art and morality have no necessary connection.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Art and Morality, The New Yorker, 2008
Great art can be created by individuals who lack moral virtue or social stature; artistic talent is independent of personal ethics.
In simple terms: Bad people can make great art.
Key Takeaway
Judge art on its own merits.
Themes
art
morality
talent
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- art education
- public funding for the arts
- media criticism
Key Concepts
aesthetic value
separation of art and artist
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Should we separate the artist's character from their work?
- How does moral judgment affect artistic appreciation?
A Different Perspective
Art may still reinforce harmful ideas despite its aesthetic value.
![“As became a young sinner, Sam [Mark Twain] had a special interest in Satan. He asked his Sunday school teacher questions about Eve in the garden, wondering "if he had ever heard of another woman who, being approached by a serpent, would not excuse herself and break for the nearest timber." Twain…” quote by Fred Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/fred-kaplan-18752_another-woman_as-became-a-young-sinner-sam-mark-twain_1175800.jpg)
