By Selina Riachi | Staff Writer
One of the most influential artists in question is a man known as Banksy. He rose to fame in 1993, when he began to freehand graffiti all around Bristol, England. Since he shifted his style to stenciling in 2000, Banksy has “bombed” (or sprayed) cities from Vienna to San Francisco and from Barcelona to Paris. He also began painting on canvas and even directed the film “Exit Through the Gift Shop”, which was nominated for an Academy Award and a Bafta.
Banksy is famous for his anti-authoritarian and witty art, and he describes himself as a “quality vandal” because he challenges authority on both the right and the left. However, what really sets this artist apart from others is his guarded identity. Most people don’t know who Banksy is, and despite his much-anticipated work and worldwide fame, he has kept his true identity hidden. When asked to supply a picture of himself for his feature in Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2010, he sent a picture of himself with a paper bag over his head. Nowadays, his art is portrayed in museums and every new piece he makes it a newsworthy event. His work is sold for thousands and is very appreciated in the art world. His most famous pieces range from depicting messages of hope and peace to those of mockery and controversy. His most recognizable work, “Girl with Balloon” is known for its optimistic message and accompanying text “There is always hope”. It was created in London in 2002 and is interpreted as a loss of innocence or the arrival of love and hope. During the first lockdown in 2020, Banksy created one of his most iconic pieces, “Game Changer”, to appreciate the healthcare workers risking their lives to make the world a better place. His work is seen as an act of support and gratitude to the heroes during the pandemic.
Another piece of his titled “Love Is in The Air” (2003), also known as “The Flower Thrower”, depicts a young “militant” man getting ready to launch a bouquet as opposed to a weapon. It is viewed as a powerful call for peace as the seemingly aggressive man is holding a universal symbol of love. Considering that this version was executed in Jerusalem after the construction of the West Bank Wall, it can also be interpreted as depicting the unequal power dynamics in war. To Banksy, war is absurd, and the protagonist is the man armed with plants rather than the forces with heavier weaponry. This is one of the many pieces Banksy has dedicated to the Palestinian cause over the years. He has created a series of images on the Palestinian side of the West Bank Wall and has also stenciled “The Armoured Dove” (2007) in Bethlehem. It has been recently rumored that Banksy’s latest piece, which was stolen, calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, as it came in the form of a “Stop” traffic sign emblazoned with warplanes.
On another note, Banksy is also known for his mockery of consumerism. His painting “Show Me the Monet” (2005) features an altered replica of the artist Claude Monet’s “Japanese Bridge”. It cemented the contemporary issue concerning the environment and the capitalist landscape. He has also criticized consumerism in pieces such as “Christ with Shopping Bags” (2004), which emphasizes the commercial meaning behind the religious festivity of Christmas and how consumerism has invaded some of the most sacred spaces. Another one of his best-known works is “Kissing Coppers”, which showcases two British policemen sharing a passionate kiss. Some believe that it is meant to normalize homosexuality and promote its acceptance, but others believe that Banksy is mocking authority (like policemen) who discriminate against a common identity.
A prominent theme in many of Banksy’s pieces is monkeys and rats. “Laugh Now” (2003), which depicts a monkey wearing a sandwich board that reads “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge”, is meant to represent society’s “underdogs”. It gives them the hopeful message that they will one day rise to power despite the oppressive society they live in. His painting “Devolved Parliament” (2009), on the other hand, depicts chimpanzees in the place of politicians to describe mayhem and madness in British politics. As for rats, they are shown in works such as “Love Rat” (2004), “Radar Rat” (2004), and “Man Who Walks Through Walls” (2007). For Banksy, rats are resourceful and rebellious, as they are “the triumph of little people, the undesirables and the unloved. They are the ultimate role model. Despite the best efforts of the authorities, they have survived, flourished, and brought entire civilizations to their knees.”
All in all, Banksy has never been one to stay silent about global issues. He is known for his controversial and anti-authoritarian views as well as his talent and vision. His anonymous identity and strategic placement has also played a role in his fame, and he remains to be one of the most influential artists to date.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Banksy
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-story-behind-banksy-4310304/
https://www.banksy.co.uk/in.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-50249349#:~:text=Banksy%20rose%20to%20prominence %20after,to%20have%20inspired%20his%20work.
https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/10-facts/10-facts-about-banksys-girl-with-balloon
https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/articles/banksys-game-changer-everything-you-need-to-know -about-the-street-artists-gift-to-the-nhs
https://banksyexplained.com/love-is-in-the-air/
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/banksy-his-art-and-the-long-history-with-palestine-news-326 312
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/banksy-stolen-art-london-sign-b2468446.html #:~:text=Banksy%27s%20latest%20installation%20has,sign%20emblazoned%20with%20war%20planes.
https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/10-facts/10-facts-about-banksys-rats#:~:text=For%20Banksy %2C%20each%20rat%20brings,are%20hated%2C%20hunted%20and%20persecuted.
https://www.artlife.com/news/10-of-banksys-most-famous-works