Great discussion post from Mr Soth. Should artists be entertainers?
Quote:

I like to say that there are three levels of artmaking.
1) Entertainment: This, for me, is essential. If the work doesn’t pull me in, I’ll go elsewhere. And doing this and this alone is one hell of a challenge.
2) Education: After being entertained, maybe I can learn something too. While watching The Social Network, maybe I’ll learn something about Facebook or frat boys. But before this learning takes place, I want to be entertained.
3) Change: After being educated and entertained, once in a while a story changes your life. But as an artist, this isn’t something you can shoot for. Otherwise you’d just write self-help books and advice columns.

and….
Not only do I consider the audience for my work, I confess that I aim to entertain.

And I agree, while I aim to make work that is fluent of my self expression, I always consider the viewer - their reactions, thoughts and criticism. I reckon its human nature.

See post here