The Polanski Uproar

As a painter that is highly involved in political, religious, and philanthropic issues, I have found the reception of my art affected.  When I created a painting called “Nature Spews Out Life” I lost many “pro-choice” supporters.  When I painted “Some Pius!” I offended many Catholics.  When I published “Bush and Fifty-One of the US Kill the World” I lost many Republican supporters.  I consider this an intrinsic part of being an artist: my beliefs affect my artwork and my artwork determines how I’ll be accepted in the world I seek to influence.  Whenever I create a controversial piece I know I will not be able to please everyone. 

Having said that, I would expect that if I engage in illegal behavior, then my placing in the art world will be affected negatively, particularly if I escape from due justice.  Roman Polanski, for all the great work he has created, he remains an unrepentant sinner who has not accepted the gravity of his wrongdoing.  Hollywood seems to be quite vociferous when human rights are violated and injustices are committed- so his acceptance in Hollywood baffles me. 

Roman Polanski should have faced his guilt.  Yes, the time will come when few will know of his transgressions, and they may detach themselves from their moral values in order to accept his art, but that time is not now.  Let him stand before justice and pay his debt to society- it will give moral strength to his art in his own lifetime.

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