Best Living Artists 2
Maybe I should change the title to “Most interesting”. But what the heck, it’s my blog, I’m allowed to be subjective.
This introductory reflection is due to the controversy this artist is causing. In fact, many won’t even consider him an artist. Or his work art. But I do, and his name is Banksy. Banksy is a graffiti artist living in London, England. His graffiti work first started surfacing circa 1993. His true identity is not known. Graffiti is considered vandalism by a lot of people – and that’s what it is for the most part -, but once you see Banksy’s work you may change your mind. He’s bringing it to such an artistic level, he might single-handedly transform graffiti from underground annoyance to mainstream art-form. His talent is not technical skill. It’s the vision, the message that counts most. Using hand-cut stencils and spray paint he delivers powerful moral, social and political messages for all to see. His anonymity guarantees him a perfect tool, and he doesn’t hesitate to use it freely. He’ll talk about things most don’t even dare to think. He likes to shock and laughs in face of authority. Nothing is taboo for Banksy. It seems that people love what he does, from Hollywood celebrity to the people of London or wherever he pleases to go. In fact, interest from celebrities drove the price of his works up to the sky. Stores sell his merchandise, but he doesn’t care about copyright. It’s free for all. There are exhibitions and auctions popping up all over the place, but he insists on his webpage he has nothing to do with those, he only exhibits at warehouses. Frankly, I don’t care whether he makes millions or not. All I care about are those powerful images on his website. He is the social/political conscience of the world we live in.
Here is Banksy’s website, the best stuff is under Indoor, Outdoor and Drawing categories.
I love Banksy. I got into stencil making because of him. I’m not a pro like he is, but I’m still practicing! This is a cool post.
I really like the top two!
They really brighten up the urban landscape!
The bottom one is pretty cool too………gotta kill the grocery cart!
Wonderful!!!
Thanks for sharing.