Disassociation is the de facto norm really. The life of most artists isn't really a matter of intense public record (and if they do, it may be purely local and foreign), the vast majority of people probably don't have the time to care beyond a few big names, the intricacies of flashpoint debates will probably be lost to time for those who will have the chance to see their art linger in the memories of future generations.
Were Virgil thoughts on Roman laws restructuring the debt or corporeal punishments controversial at the time ? Did he get into public controversies about day to day political matter ? Do we care ?