A look into the controversial mind of ‘Banksy’
Who is Banksy?
Your guess is as good as mine… But Robert Banks, Robin Gunningham and Robert Del Naja are seemingly the most likely suspects. There has been much deliberation over the street artist’s background but it’s believed that he was born in Bristol around 1974. It’s understood that much of his inspiration came from Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack — which is where the identity assumption arose.
Artwork
Banksy’s art is controversial, influential, perhaps misunderstood and nine times out of 10 engaged in the political and governmental minefield. He could even be considered the Piers Morgan of the art world. He was originally in the graffiti group DryBreadZ Crew but The Mild Mild West was his first independent piece that really caught the eye of the public in 1999. Some of his most well-known pieces include The Flower Thrower, One Nation Under CCTV (since removed) and There Is Always Hope.
Recently, one of his most famous pieces — There Is Always Hope — was photographed being shredded after it was auctioned off for over £1 million. This is his biggest and most outrageous ‘stunt’ to date.
Documentaries
Banksy has unsurprisingly starred in multiple documentaries focusing on post-modern discussions such as the relationship between the importance of commerce and the integrity of the art itself.
Saving Banksy, 2017, is a Netflix Original production focusing on the characteristic peculiarities of being an uncertified Banksy art dealer and the moral and financial implications that regularly arise. Take a look at the show here.
Banksy’s hidden talent for filmography was brought to light in 2010 with Exit Through the Gift Shop telling the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant, and his obsession for his love of street art. Buy the film here or if you’d rather watch it online, click here!
Public Opinion
Art with History student Lily Cowely believes Banksy’s work is only highly anticipated due to his decision to stay incognito. Without the mask that he hides behind his art “will lose its value and he could probably suffer charges from the police — but he’s way too influential”. Yet she mentions the importance of his hottest controversial topics of government, nature and war for younger audiences in understanding his work.
