THE PROFESSION OF TROUBLEMAKERS!
Why do artists and trouble go hand in hand? Art is often disruptive even while being conforming. Print making is an ancient tradition but Andy Warhol used is as a way to disrupt traditional art, giving him a way to easily reproduce pop culture images. In our current times, disruption is – ironically – a bit calmer than in early centuries. Artistic disruption now is more visual and less physical, but for earlier artists conforming for their livelihood gave rise to non-conformity in other aspects of their lives.
There are, sadly, countless artists who have committed or been accused of heinous acts. Luckily, most in fine art are prior to the 21st century, but is it the character of an artist to feel compelled to act out? Are they so tightly restrained by the art they are generating to make a living that they act out in different ways? Maybe not as much now, but in early centuries it seems to be often the case.
The number of artists that were excused for crimes given their talent is fascinating. Caravaggio is the most famous murderous artist. He seemed to court trouble at every turn, regularly insulting police, getting into knife fights, and of course that famous murder. Then escaping away, only to be protected by his patrons and welcomed at another noble house. These incidents were – sadly – not limited to one genius painter in Rome!
The list is long and somewhat typical. The artists who have been accused of or committed murder often are presented as volatile and passionate characters. Frankly, they seem to be arrogant hot heads – so no shocking characteristics there. Benvenuto Cellini (1500 – 1571) was a highly talented goldsmith and sculptor but committed at least 3, possibly 4 murders, confessing proudly to all of them in his racy autobiography, only to be protected by the clergy after each one. By his own account he fits this stereotype of trouble.
However, they don’t all seem to be characterised this way. Karel van Mander III was the grandson of Karel van Mander, the great Flemish painter, poet and art historian and the son of Karel van Mander II, the accomplished painter and highly talented tapestry maker. Van Mander III’s life dramatically changed when he moved with his mother to Copenhagen after the death of his father, to collect on payments for tapestries he had executed for Frederiksborg Palace and King Christian IV. By the age of 21, he had already secured a commission from the Danish king. He married, had a son, and earned a trip via the Netherlands to Italy to study. Upon his return, it is noted he paid reparations for stabbing and killing a man in the street. Again, an artist in trouble. However, just as with other artists, his patron (the King) looked the other way. This doesn’t seem to be a major event for van Mander and he continued his work for the king, becoming a de-facto ambassador who hosted important dignitaries in his home, often painting their portraits for the royal house.
Over time, we have ostensibly forgiven these past indiscretions, if noted them at all. Benvenuto Cellini’s name is not on the tip of many tongues, but in the field of Renaissance sculpture it is not easily forgotten. Caravaggio is an art world legend whose ground breaking lighting and shading forever altered the way artists painted and Karel van Mander III created such iconic portraiture that even today his works determine the public image of Christian IV, yet his crime is not often referenced.
So, what of today? Will the artists of our time’s indiscretions be overshadowed by their work? In recent years the debate has raged about discounting artistic genius and holding them accountable for their misdeeds. The 20th century artist Carel Andre was accused of pushing his wife, artist Ana Mendieta, out a window in a fit of jealousy over her skyrocketing career. He was acquitted, however there are still protests around some of his exhibitions. It appears when it comes to art, time heals all wounds and genius overshadows indiscretions. Then we must ask ourselves the question, what do we value more, person or performance? It looks like only time will tell.
2 June, 2012