It is something hard to do, yet Banksy, UK street artist, has created a “portfolio” of graffiti art that is extremely valuable. He is well known for his controversial tags using stencils. What I love most about him is his sense of humor and anonymity. Despite having pieces sold for thousands of dollars, his identity remains a mystery. He has even created an organization called “The Pest Control Office” to manage and authenticate his work so he can keep his name secret. Banksy’s artwork usually makes a bold statement against current events or social issues. Among the themes of his tags and exhibitions are anti-capitalism, anarchism, anti-war, poverty and boredom. He thinks it is crazy that people actually buy his art, since it pokes fun at the very act of doing that. After Sotheby’s sold three of his pieces, Banksy posted on his website an image of people in an auction room bidding on a picture that said, “I can’t believe you morons actually buy this shit.” Banksy also does what he preaches. Even though many call him a sell out and say he has forgotten where he has come from, when a water tank he painted on was removed to be a sold and it was discovered that a homeless man had been living there for seven years, Banksy gave him enough money to get an apartment and live for a year. He also refused to authenticate his work meaning the tank became worthless again.
His creativity comes from understanding people and the way they react. Through observing culture and creating opinions, Banksy makes statements that shake some people’s worlds. It is creative work because it seems different to the majority. I could write a lot more about him and his art, but his work can speak for itself. Look up more of his graffiti and check out some of these interesting reads about Banksy if you are still curious.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-story-behind-banksy-4310304/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/daniellerahm/2013/10/22/banksy-the-20-million-graffiti-artist-who-doesnt-want-his-art-to-be-worth-anything/
Idea Culture 