Art Vs. The Artist : One & the Same Canvas

The debate over separating the art from the artist is one I’ve never been able to answer cleanly, because for me, like ink on paper, there’s no clean line to draw. I’ve lived long enough as an artist to know that the work I make isn’t some detached product , it’s a reflection of me. My ideas, my struggles, my contradictions , they all seep into the canvas, the sketchbook, or the screen.

That’s why I can’t fully buy into the idea that we can look at art without acknowledging the person who made it. To me, art is the artist.

What My Professor Taught Me

Back in college at Virginia State University, I had the chance to study under Professor Anh Do, who teaches Animation. While writing this think piece I reached out to him to gain some insight on the topic. He gave me one of the most thoughtful takes I’ve ever heard on this debate. He told me this :

“I treat art vs. artist on a case-by-case basis. I look at the work first, then act only on what’s in my control (my attention, money, and platform). If it is work done in collaboration, such as in animated movies, I must consider the broader team. I also consider the following: if harm is severe, tied to the piece, and the artist still benefits, I step aside; otherwise, I consider engaging with context: name the issues, avoid hero worship, look for alternatives, or reroute value. I find that institutions such as colleges tend to ‘contextualize, not erase’ (framing notes and advisories rather than removals) while the public remains split between free expression concerns and calls for accountability. I keep the stance steady and simple: choose the least forceful action that preserves my integrity and respects the audience.”

Professor Anh Do is the professor of Animation at Virginia State University

I respect that stance a lot. It’s measured, it’s fair, and it acknowledges that audiences have real power. He’s right , sometimes the answer isn’t erasing, it’s contextualizing. Sometimes it’s as simple as redirecting attention or money elsewhere. But even while I carry his wisdom with me, I’ve come to stand firm in my own belief: art can’t be divorced from its maker.

Caravaggio’s Shadow

Consider Caravaggio as an example. His artworks are among the most stunning in art history. His use of light and shadow to infuse drama into ordinary figures transformed the perception of painting. However, Caravaggio as a person was unpredictable and aggressive to the point he committed murder. Although he led a violent lifestyle, his work was highly respected by the Catholic Church and, for a period, was considered a nearly definitive version of biblical events.

The Calling of St, Matthew , 1600

When I look at The Calling of Saint Matthew, I can’t separate the divine glow on the canvas from the turbulent life of the man who painted it. That intensity and rawness comes from him, flaws and all. His darkness is part of what makes the light in his paintings hit so hard. For me, that’s proof that the artist’s life and spirit are always bound up in the work. You can’t have one without the other.

A detailed Self Portrait that captures Caravaggio's piercing gaze and distinctive features, reflecting his turbulent lifestyle and groundbreaking approach to art.

Why It Matters to Me as an Artist

As someone who creates, I know that when people look at my art, they’re also looking at me—even if they don’t realize it. My frustrations, my hopes, my questions about the world , they all live in those lines and colors. And that’s true for every artist, whether they admit it or not.

So when people say, “just separate the art from the artist,” I push back. Because I know what it feels like to pour myself into a piece. My art is me. To separate the two is to pretend creation happens in a vacuum, when in reality, it’s deeply personal.

Where I Land

Professor Do’s Taoist and Stoic approach helps me navigate this mess—it reminds me to act within my control, to avoid hero worship, and to contextualize rather than erase. But even with that compass, I still hold this truth:

Art is the artist. Engaging with art means engaging with the person who made it (the good, the bad, the contradictions) . The challenge isn’t pretending they’re separate. The challenge is choosing how to live with that truth while keeping both integrity and respect intact.