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Presentation 15

Banksy is an anonymous street artist and political activist known for his provocative art that often critiques societal issues like war and capitalism. His identity remains a mystery, contributing to the intrigue and impact of his work, which features motifs such as rats and children. Despite the illegal nature of his murals, they are widely recognized and protected, highlighting the paradox of his anti-capitalist stance.

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4 views10 pages

Presentation 15

Banksy is an anonymous street artist and political activist known for his provocative art that often critiques societal issues like war and capitalism. His identity remains a mystery, contributing to the intrigue and impact of his work, which features motifs such as rats and children. Despite the illegal nature of his murals, they are widely recognized and protected, highlighting the paradox of his anti-capitalist stance.

Uploaded by

luanshllaku77
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as KEY, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Nina Nimani

Table of contents

Who is Banksy?
Anonymity
Inspiration, motif and themes
Artistic style
Activism
The publics reaction and controversy
Who is Banksy?
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary
defines ‘vandalism’ as; “willful
or malicious destruction or
defacement of public or private
property”. Following this
definition Banksy is (or should
be) considered a vandal. Yet he
is the only ‘artist’ allowed to tag
the streets of London. Banksy is
known worldwide as an
anonymous street artist,
political activist and film
director.
But we dont really know who he
is.
Anonymity
“Banksy’s identity is
simultaneously a closely guarded
secret and an open one.”
While he has pulled off multiple
public stunts nobody knows who
he actually is, the secrecy
following his identity plays a huge
role in the messages he sends.
For a time people believed his true
identity was that of Robin
Gunninghams, but all rumors were
denied by Banksy when he was
accused of copyright by a greeting
card company.
Legal conflicts like this often put
Banksy's secret in jeopardy.
Inspiration, motifs
and themes
Banksy says he is inspired by 3D,
a graffiti artist and founding
member of Massive Attack.
Other inspirations and influences
are Princess Diana, Marcel
Duchamp and Kathe Kollwitz.
His work often references
political themes such as war,
capitalism, hypocrisy and greed.
Banksy’s subjects and motifs are
members of the royal family,
rats, apes, and children.
Artistic Style
Banksy has been using
stencils since the early years
of his career, when he nearly
avoided a confrontation with
the police, and found
inspiration on the bottom of
a garbage truck. He adds
pops of color to his murals
and uses surrounding objects
such as fire hydrants or
traffic signs.
“The greatest crimes in the world
are not committed by people
breaking the rules but by people
following the rules”
-Banksy
Activism
“Banksy’s art gives voice to the
interests and concerns of the
“masses'' versus the powerful few.”
Since the 1990’s Banksy hasn't been
afraid to give voice to the concerns
and problems of the harsh reality of
war, discrimination, greed and
hypocrisy, that others shy away
from.
In every sense of the word Banksy
can be considered an activist, doing
much more than just making art.
The publics
reaction and
controversy
Banksy doesn't ask for
permission.
And while he is recognized as
one of the most important and
influential artists of our era, all
of his murals are illegal, yet
most of them are framed,
protected and sold. He is
supposed to stand against
capitalism, but countries all
over the world will protect his
art because of his name,
because of the brand.
Thank you!

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