With the recent flurry of outrage directed at one camp or another, I got
to thinking. Everyone seems to have an opinion, so let's hear some of
them...
What is selling out?
If we're going to have accusations, let's have some definitions, as
well.
I'm inclined to think many people on this list would say even
Michelangeo was a sell-out...just consider his work on the sistine
chapel, not to mention any of the OTHER work he did for the pope or for
one rich family or another. Of course, he didn't get paid much of the
time, but that doesn't change the fact that he PAINTED FOR MONEY. Is
there anyone willing to say that Michelangelo was a sell-out AND that
this was bad (for him or for his fans or for society; whichever selling
out is bad for) AND that he shouldn't be considered one of the greatest
artists of all time?
So when does an artist sell out? And, most important of all, why is it
bad?
---brian