Banksy VS. Graffiti writers
Out of context: Reply #24
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After a while what used to be an earnest, sincere form of expression becomes flipped into something else.
I honestly couldn't give a shit about Banksy any more.
When I first heard about it, it was through friends - there was a mythology that came with him .. sightings in Bristol. Later I moved to NE London and the witty pieces hidden amongst the city became a strong part of the things I associated with the area. Here was someone who was motivated by imagination / rebellion and the desire to express ideas. In a world of consumerist bullshit - here was someone who created for the sake of expressing something new .. bringing colour to - and brightening the day of - people who live in pretty grotty surroundings.
Then came exposure - and the media became interested. Rather than a folk hero - he became a celebrity. I know it's a cliche to call someone a sell-out, but we need shorthand to show the change that fame and money bring to a persons circumstances - and I can't think of anything better.
He now makes art that - once created - is used as a financial investment. He might be the same person, making the same statements - but I think it's impossible to make art that's larger than the potential ££ or $$ signs that hang over it.
How can the message, beauty or vividness of a piece of art ever compete with financial incentive?
The main thing for me though, is that the original reasons he was heralded, no longer hold as much weight. He's not an unsung hero - he's not in it for the love of it. He's now firmly associated with the art scene and is embedded in society as a personality.
Maybe there's isn't anything wrong with that, but I think calling him a street artist or a graffiti writer isn't necessary as valid as it once was.