The Art of Banksy

 

February 10, 2022

 

The Art of Banksy

The main reason that we wanted to stop in Miami was so that we could check out the traveling art exhibition. “The Art of Banksy” that is currently in Miami appearing at the Ice Palace, which is the same location where we attended one of the immersive Van Gogh exhibits last year. It is a massive show that showcases the art and influence of the British street artist who goes by the name of Banksy and has become world renowned.

Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. Active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls and bridges throughout the world. 

Banksy's work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Banksy says that he was inspired by 3D, a graffiti artist and founding member of the musical group Massive Attack.

Banksy displays his art on publicly visible surfaces such as walls and self-built physical prop pieces. Banksy no longer sells photographs or reproductions of his street graffiti, but his public "installations" are regularly resold, often even by removing the wall they were painted on. Much of his work can be classified as temporary art. A small number of Banksy's works are officially, non-publicly, sold through an agency created by Banksy named Pest Control. Banksy's documentary film “Exit Through the Gift Shop” (2010) made its debut at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. In January 2011, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for the film.  In 2014, he was awarded Person of the Year at the 2014 Webby Awards.

Arguably the most controversial street artist in the world, Banksy’s works have become a subculture in their own right. Banksy’s political statements and disruptive vision have impacted cities across the globe at vital moments in modern history, provoking alternative viewpoints and encouraging revolution in the art world. His identity remains unknown, even after more than 30 years of involvement in the global graffiti scene. He has worked in many street art mediums and in many styles, breaking down the boundaries and expectations of street art critics. His work includes powerful, often controversial images, encouraging the rapid spread of his name and work across the internet. Today, his iconic works have been re-shared and repurposed beyond measure.

The exhibit itself is sort of against what Banksy stands for and as such it is filled with contradictions as the artwork that has been collected from both his street art days, his occasional shows and other sources at once helps spread the anti-capitalist message that Banksy expresses yet at the same time is part of the very system that he is against. 

For me, I tend not to worry too much about the commodification of his art and just enjoy the chance to see and experience much of his actual work in person. I am a huge fan of street art, graffiti and the new breed of artists who are finally getting recognition rather than being castigated as vandals. After the incredible success in Europe and Australia, The Art of Banksy Exhibition is in Miami for a limited time. Over 1,200,000 people have visited the exhibition all around the world.

​The Art of Banksy features more than 160 of the artist’s works — Original Artworks, Prints on different kind of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. Some of his works are carefully reproduced with his stencil technique especially for the exhibition. A video documentary gives visitors insights into his life and work, all presented in a unique setting.  Banksy loves to provoke, shock, and even disturb society. He does it with poetry, energy, and humor. His art has the power to unite people and inspire them to change the world for the better. If you get a chance, check out the show, we found it to be pretty awesome.

https://www.artofbanksy.com/miami