Admiration

     Our assignment today is to research and critique an artist we admire. And I'm going to preface this by saying I don't want to sound cliche, and I'm warning you now, but I'm writing this post on Banksy. If you don't know, Banksy is a British street artist. He's become popular over the past year or so because of his pieces on the streets of London. Most of them make a political statement. I think that's why I admire him so much. I have a great respect for graffiti artists. They make stencils and prints and it takes hours or days, and then they have to put their pieces up fast for fear of getting caught. Then, after all that work, the art will probably get washed off or painted over. Banksy's pieces have an impact that I can only hope to one day achieve. 
     Banksy made a documentary about street art. It's called "Exit Through the Gift Shop." I've seen it at least 5 or 6 times. The history and work and heart and messages that go behind this temporary art is amazing to me. So, let me show you some of my favorite Banksy pieces. 

Sorry!

     I think the other reason I like street art is because it's not always about the artistic ability involved. Sometimes it's about the statement you make, like this piece on the streets of London. It makes a statement about out current way of living, our dependence on money and buying things. It's a quick message that makes you think. And that's what art's supposed to do, right? Make you think?
     Honestly, I think it's funny. Like, I imagine someone looking at this like an actual billboard and not some art piece and being confused. As silly as it sounds, I feel "in on the joke" with this one. I like it for it's statement. 

Follow Your Dreams

     This is kind of a "classic" Banksy piece, if that exists yet. If you have heard of him, you've either seen this, or the flower bomber or a rat. This is, again, more of a statement piece. I like his stencils. His style is unique and distinguishable. The black and white and the detail just amazes me. 
     I think the message in this one is kind of funny, also. And a bit sad. We're all told to follow our dreams, as long as they lead us somewhere successful that gets us lots of money and status and power. I think this was one of the first Banksy's I saw. It was right around when I was deciding whether I should major in what I love or what would give me a good income. So, this piece has a lot of weight with me, I guess. Not to be too sappy about it, though. 

Kissing Coppers

     I didn't realize how hard it was going to be for me to write about these pieces. Because I see them, and I know in my head what I think, and I just can't get it down on paper. Like, for instance, this one I just think is awesome. Hardly a critique, right? But I'm a big advocate for gay rights, and it amuses me to think the amount of people that this would offend.
     But, as I've said about almost other piece, it makes a statement. It has a shock value. People notice Banksy's art, even though it's only temporarily there. The impact his art has on London, and anywhere he decides to leave a trace of him, is huge. 

Imitation

 
     And this is another reason I like Banksy so much. Literally stealing from Picasso? Ballsy. And just like him. And I would just like to be Banksy when I grow up, please and thank you. That is all.