Banksy

Banksy is a popular street artist known for his work that is generally inspired by humorous views on politics, war, and popular culture. While not much is known about the artist himself, he has gathered a following for his statement-making art. What is known, however, is that the artist is from the United Kingdom and got his start during the 1990s. After about a decade, his unconventional work gained more popularity. Banksy works to keep his identity a secret, partially as a way of defying the current art culture, and partially because some of his work is considered vandalism. Much of his better-known art is graffiti that has been spray painted on building walls. He has even been known to make more defiant statements, such as “altering” other artists’ work and “enhancing” museum exhibits. Banksy’s art continues to make waves all over the world through its blatant political statements.

The piece above was a work of graffiti done on the side of a building. While somewhat less abrasive than other paintings of Banksy’s, this one still holds a definite viewpoint. The rat featured is using lipstick to write out “Where’s Hollywood,” which I believe holds multiple meanings. Banksy chose to use a rat, symbolizing the “rat race” that is prevalent in Hollywood culture. Hollywood has become somewhat more corrupt, with people pushing one another down in order to get ahead. The lipstick adds another element, symbolizing the vanity that is overcoming the new celebrity scene. More and more money is being spent on material objects, and the pressure to be thin and age-less is taking over, pushing celebrities farther than ever before. By pointing out the “rats” that are enveloped by this consumerism and narcissism, Banksy is taking a stand against the current Hollywood culture.

While this graffiti may not hold as strong of a political message, the definitive meaning behind it is very representative of Banksy. Many of his pieces refer to wars, the economy, and government, but that does not mean that he won’t expand to share his views on other significant matters such as popular culture. Some people like the mode in which Banksy goes about his work: sneaky, somewhat illegally, and bluntly (in terms of message). Banksy has a way of making people think of things in a new way, while putting a humorous spin on topics that may not usually be viewed lightly. Others, however, have issues with the manner in which Banksy displays his work. Technically, it is vandalism, and Banksy is not commissioned or permitted by building owners to paint on their property. Art fans also have issues with the impermanence of his work; since it is just on walls it can easily be painted over by building owners or other graffiti artists.

Overall, I find his work to be compelling. As someone that does not follow politics frequently, looking through Banksy’s work has gotten me thinking about issues that wouldn’t usually cross my mind. He has presented them in an interesting way, that hopefully can provoke though and discussion among many other people.