Intriguing, controversial, subversive…
He is arguably one of the most influential and popular artists of the 21st century.
But who is Banksy?
He emerged in Britain in the 1990s as a largely unknown graffiti artist. He now commands massive media attention: his works selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars each. But remarkably his personal identity has remained unknown.
Working predominately with stencils and spray cans and the occasional installation piece, Banksy engages in satire and criticism of the government, war, and capitalism.
This month, Banksy announced a one month residency in NYC in which he titles “Better Out Than In.”
He has created installation pieces such as “Shoe Shine” in which a servant polishes the over-sized shoe of a replica Ronald McDonald. This piece has been debuting in front of McDonalds throughout NYC, serving as a critique of the labor required to maintain the image of massive corporations.
He has also created works directly on public property that have gained significantly more attention and controversy, such as his first work (pictured). Banksy clearly believes that graffiti is a form of artistic expression, but how do others feel?
Mayor Bloomberg released a statement saying,
“graffiti does ruin people’s property and it’s a sign of decay and loss of control.”
The NYPD has been on a hunt for Banksy ever since.
What do you think? Is Banksy an Artist? or Vandal?
Is it true.., Better Out Than In?
