Art and Ethics

Art is a form of expression that plays an important role in the way we interpret our world. The question that arises here is whether artists have an ethical responsibility? ‘The Glore Psychiatric Museum, contains an art gallery with patient art ranging from full-size replicas of some of the most horrific psychiatric practices to a mosaic constructed from the stomach contents of a woman suffering from compulsive swallowing.’ 

Some people might say displaying such explicit form art can affect people on emotional as well as psychological levels. But I don’t think it is important for the artist to see whether a particular method of creating art is ethical or not as that sets limitations and boundaries to the expression that is being portrayed by the artist. This form of art was implemented to benefit the inmates of the asylum, and thus I strongly believe that such an exercise cannot be considered totally unmoral. People say this activity loses its purpose in entirely, as the artwork might just put the inmates through a series of emotions ranging from trivial mental disturbance to extreme torture.

I believe art cannot be judged on its ability to please or shock. 

Art is the reflection of an artist’s mind and therefore cannot be termed as right or wrong. It is an expression or application of human skills and imagination, which is usually in a visual form and creates works which are mainly meant to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power and not be to judged. Therefore I believe that although artist must not be judged on their artwork.