Banksy: Into The Unknown

‘Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable’ - Banksy

Banksy is a pseudonymous street artist, painter and filmmaker who started off as a freehand graffiti artist. His art won the hearts of those worldwide as they resonate with the masses as they express political opinions, and express the importance of joy and jubiliance in life - the importance of living a life without the burden of wars.

‘A wall is a very big weapon. It’s one of the nastiest things you can hit someone with.’

Banksy’s art has always focused on social themes and has significantly expressed political opinions. His art expresses ‘underclass revenge’ against centralisation and the abuse of power. Topics that are addressed through his expressive art include ‘anti-war, anti-consumerism, anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, anti-authoritarianism, anarchism, nihilism, and existentialism.’ Common artworks of his connote greed and poverty. Furthermore, his art depicts such social themes through vivid imagery and major iconography.

His most famous works include: Balloon Girl, Game Changer, Love is in the Bin and Devolved Parliament.

While Banksy’s art has been recognized and loved by millions, he too, like every artist has gone through major criticism. His work has been considered to be “glorifying vandalism”. Furthermore, he has previously been accused of copying multiple artists; however, one such artist, Blek Le Rat praised his artwork and expressed his fascination with the iconography behind his graffiti.

That being said, his work has also been commemorated by celebrities and multiple public figures, leaving millions mesmerised by the nuance of his paintings!

We’re left with his artwork

In the shadows he lurks

His cover cannot be blown

So into the unknown, he goes.

• Veda Varma (10A)