Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma - Claire Dederer

Art Criticism

Rating: 7.5/10

Over the last few years, I have often found myself wondering how I am supposed to feel about art when it’s revealed that the artist has done bad things. Should I no longer admire the painting? Or sing along to the tune? Or sit in awe of the film? Or worst of all, lose myself in the brilliance of the book?

So, I was intrigued by the premise of this work. Where the link between genius and monstrosity is explored and the balance of the two considered. A thoughtful contemplation of whether we can love the creation but dislike the creator. One whose work we love but morals we loath. Ultimately, an account of the fan’s dilemma.

The author writes at length about how knowledge of the awful deed can disrupt our enjoyment of whatever greatness was given to us. She never spoon feeds a solution but rather encourages us to separate an opinion based on feeling versus one based on thought. And to question our own roles. Are we entitled to indignation on behalf of those that were harmed as the incessant bludgeoning of mass media would lead us to believe? I have never been one to want my opinions handed to me or my feelings explained to me. I want to read and search and consider all materials and positions on my own.

In the end we have to understand that art is fundamentally an intimate relationship between the creator and the consumer and we have to decide for ourselves.

Book Pairing(s): Get The Picture by Bianca Bosker, Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino, Catch And Kill by Ronan Farrow