The song "The Art of Scandal" by Neil Klein and Avery L. Ingvarson tells the story of the artist John Singer Sargent and his struggles with critics and public perception of his work. Sargent expresses his frustration with pompous critics who judge and spit on his work without understanding the sensitive grasp on a soul that is required for true art. He defends his paintings as whole and not shreds to be ripped apart by critics. The song also includes spoken parts from other famous artists like Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and Johannes Vermeer, discussing the impact of art on society and the controversy it can generate. Sargent defends his portrayal of a madame, stating that he painted what he saw and that there are more scandalous pictures than his. Sargent expresses his desire to be known and recognized as a great artist, and he is willing to face the scandal and criticism that comes with it. The song explores the idea of creating art that causes a commotion and challenges the status quo. Sargent is unapologetic about his work, and he is determined to be remembered as one of the greats, even if it means facing scandal and controversy. Overall, "The Art of Scandal" is a powerful and defiant anthem about the struggles and triumphs of artists in the face of criticism and controversy. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and not being swayed by the opinions of others.
