Banksy and the Architect
Street art is an expression of self, and so is its canvas.
Graffiti has a certain philosophy behind it — one of social liberation and emancipation. More specifically, the work of Banksy has long held these philosophical standards of personal expression. Architecture is also the expression of self and is often used as an extension of its artist, just like graffiti. When a street artist puts their work on the architect’s work, a subliminally interesting blend of philosophies occurs.
Since Ancient Rome, graffiti has been used as a tool for social freedom and release. As inspiring as this specific art form may be, street artists have been branded with the term vandals due to the common view that graffiti is the destruction of anything beautiful or venerable. However, graffiti usually holds a powerful message behind it. In divided communities, it has been used for a means of communication and has proven itself an effective device in establishing dialog of political and social issues.
More specifically, the work of Banksy often plays with various themes of the human condition such as greed, power, social norms, despair, and alienation. He is known for his disapproval that the government even considers graffiti as vandalism. He claims that he is simply “decorating buildings of no architectural merit whatsoever.”
Even if Banksy is right, that there are some architectural structures that hold no meaning, the perspective of the architect is different. Architecture is in itself an art form. Just like graffiti, it is often the manifestation of self and extension of beliefs held by the architect. When architecture is used as a canvas, it has a major effect on the construction as a whole — physically and philosophically. While Banksy’s work and the work of other street artists are, in no doubt, mesmerizing, the work of the architect is just as inspiring.
When a street artist works on a building, an interesting blend occurs. It could be a harmonious combination of art — but it is most often conflicting, like anti-government stenciling on a politically prominent building. Out of respect for the architect, street artists should always be mindful of what they are using as a canvas for their work. The product of an architect is usually well thought out and an extension of self-philosophies — they usually do not plan to have their work written over by another’s.
When the graffiti artist works on a building, it’s not just the public that notices. It’s the architect, too.
