Artist Blog: Banksy

As we move into our second semester of Senior Portfolio, I want to look into artists who explore their own means of escaping, whether it be relevant to my concept of escapism sought through alternative worlds or even simply escaping from something.

Just to recap, my (always being revised) concept is Escapism, specifically through different worlds, providing a release from reality and a means of creativity.

Banksy, a British stencil graffiti artist (although he does not call himself an artist - too bad, we're all artists), is widely known for his art form, often illustrating his alternative political viewpoints and incorporating humor in his murals. The locations that Banksy chooses for his work are key to the success of his messages and metaphors. His real name has not been released and he stays out of the public eye to avoid the obvious punishments for "vandalism".

There are so many people who appreciate his work, believing that the aesthetic quality itself betters the urban city atmosphere and that much of his work communicates views often hard to express in those areas. Of course, with the controversy medium that he uses, there are others who dislike his work, thinking of it as simple vandalism, or complaining that his political beliefs are not shared by all those who are living in those areas he graffitis.

Escapism, Banksy, 2005, size unknown

The series of nine images that Banksy created on Israel's West Bank barrier is the work that most relates to my concept and the ideas I'm formulating for this semester.

Unwelcome Intervention, Banksy, 2005, size unknown

Cut it Out, Banksy, 2005, size unknown

He made these images in commentary on what is becoming world’s largest man-made human barrier (between Israel and Palestine). By reclaiming this controversial space, he creates a canvas for vision and enlightenment, which I'm sure he hopes will spark a little open-mindedness.

Balloon Debate, Banksy, 2005, size unknown

I'm not sure if Banksy assigned these titles or not, but these were the only titles I could find for these images (found from the yourworldtoday.ca).

On his website, Banksy says that while there, an old Palestinian man said his painting made the wall look beautiful. After Banksy said thank you, the man replied 'We don't want it to be beautiful, we hate this wall. Go home.'

Photos and Info:

http://www.banksy.co.uk/

http://www.briansewell.com/artist/b-artist/banksy/banksy-palestinian-tag.html
http://www.yourworldtoday.ca/2007/12/08/british-graffiti-on-west-bank-barrier/