Banksy

The artist who managed to stay anonymous for so long, his work isn’t just pretty to look at but rather carries a bucketful of meaning behind them. I value Banksy as a true artist; he manages to touch upon many issues others would be afraid to talk about, sexuality, social injustices, problems with people in power, war. Maybe being anonymous gives him his freedom to do that without being persecuted. His work wouldn’t be nearly enough valuable in a gallery as it is in its natural place…on the streets around the world. He is an artist of the people. He creates work for us to envelop and enjoy, it’s not just any other graffiti, when coming across a Banksy you have no choice but to stand and admire his work minutes on end. Banksy doesn’t create his art for himself but rather to educate the people. Sometimes you don’t realise the lies you’re being fed by TV, media, so called trusted people in high positions and you become a puppet in the commercial world.

Banksy is true to his art, as expected well-known brands beg him to work for them, but knowing their unethical background he refuses, no matter how much money is thrown at him. One of his newest pieces is that of a couple embracing but checking their phones. This addresses an issue we are all guilty of. We’re becoming too connected with technology that we forget sometimes who we’re with and why we’re doing something.

Figure 1 Mobile Lovers (2014)

I think his most controversial piece is his graffiti on the Gaza wall. It sheds light on the seriousness of the matter and the ridiculous situation there. Being Banksy it is full proof that media would latch on to his new work and therefore gets it out to the public who many are blissfully unaware. It’s a bleak and never-ending sight of a wall dressed with bright delightful paint. He is painting a picture of paradise when Gaza is anything but paradise. He describes the situation as “world’s largest open prison” an accurate analysis by far. He goes on to say: “The segregation wall is a disgrace…the possibility I find exciting is you could turn the world’s most invasive and degrading structure into world’s largest gallery of free speech and bad art…besides I love Palestine – all the giant walls, the dirt and the falafel stalls remind you of Glastonbury”

Figure 2 Gaza Wall (2005)



Banksy on The West Bank- Gaza Strip, [television programme online] Channel 4 News UK (2013) 4 mins At: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag-iTSQnigY (Accessed on 29.04.14)


Hattenstone, S. (2003) 'Something to Spray.' In: The Guardian [online] At: http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2003/jul/17/art.artsfeatures (Accessed on 26.04.14)