It is easy to adopt a philosophy of labeling things with the standard conventional image – stereotyping encounters with generalities. However, life is not a two-sided coin. There are a multitude of differences that lend to opinion versus fact. When examining the popular street artist Banksy, it can be concluded that there are many differing opinions, especially if discussed with foreknowledge that Banksy is anonymous. It leaves room for much interpretation. However, by looking more closely at Banksy, one might be able to draw the conclusion that he demonstrates the essence of freedom, and is noteworthy in society. For an introductory commentary, it would be beneficial to visit a common understanding of graffiti. The closest form of street art seen is often a simple word sprayed on some public landmark. To this end, graffiti is not necessarily viewed as art by the critics, or by the common person either. Rather, it is seen as an act of rebellion against society; destruction against residential, commercial, and public property. According to the simple definition as outlined by Webster 's Dictionary, graffiti is “unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface,”(Webster). Because of this, people quickly assume that the nature of Banksy is one of rejection of society, and one that is condemning because of his desire to remain anonymous. Viewers of Banksy 's art, do, however, have some probable information concerning the biography of Banksy. People have a general understanding that he is from Europe, in specific, Britain. Remaining anonymous for fear of being arrested is a probable reason, however, his anonymity is more likely explained because of his advocation for a world of continuity. In an article by Smithsonian Magazine, Banksy said, “You don’t have to go to college, drag ’round a portfolio, mail off transparencies to snooty galleries or sleep with someone powerful, all you need now is a few ideas and a broadband connection. This is the first time the essentially bourgeois world of art has belonged to the people. We need to make it count,”(Elsworth-Jones). He recognizes the power of communication, and how much change it can make. His form of communication, street art, is how he takes a position or make a statement.
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Because of this, his anonymity magnifies the message. Instead of viewers recognizing who the artist is, and dictating the message therein according to the artist, viewers are allowed to have a much broader interpretation of the art according to how they actually see it. For instance, when someone sees the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, many thoughts come to mind. However, those thoughts are often accompanied by the viewers understanding(whether significant or limited) of da Vinci. On the other hand, when viewers see a Banksy piece such as Palestine Wall Hole, they are forced to evaluate the art based on their own convictions or understanding of the world. Anonymity essentially removes preconceived notions. Banksy 's art is one of a fascinating nature. With a variety ranging from rodents to massive landscape art, Banksy maintains a very talented outlook for every work. Integrated, and arguably most important, in all of his art is the message he is communicating. While his style of stencil is very unique, it is that message that really helps bring such an attraction. Interestingly enough, the communicated message changes significantly from each piece of art. Banksy has been identified with cynicism, political snide, environmental awareness, and many other anti-statements. In his self-published book, Banksy said, "Sometimes I feel so sick at the state of the world, I can 't even finish my second apple pie,”(Banksy 156). This statement gives readers a very clear understanding of where Banksy is coming from, and how it integrates that motif in his stencils. Street art is his outlet for expressing feeling. It would be beneficial to begin an examination of Banksy 's art in relation to the concept of freedom. This will take place in the form of answering two questions that need to be addressed: (1) how does Banksy portray freedom in his art? (2) how is it important in modern culture? Freedom is never free. There is a price to be paid. It can be seen with a firm understanding that Banksy represents this statement to an exactness. As an artist demonstrating his skill and beliefs through street art, he runs a very dangerous business. He takes
Because of this, his anonymity magnifies the message. Instead of viewers recognizing who the artist is, and dictating the message therein according to the artist, viewers are allowed to have a much broader interpretation of the art according to how they actually see it. For instance, when someone sees the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, many thoughts come to mind. However, those thoughts are often accompanied by the viewers understanding(whether significant or limited) of da Vinci. On the other hand, when viewers see a Banksy piece such as Palestine Wall Hole, they are forced to evaluate the art based on their own convictions or understanding of the world. Anonymity essentially removes preconceived notions. Banksy 's art is one of a fascinating nature. With a variety ranging from rodents to massive landscape art, Banksy maintains a very talented outlook for every work. Integrated, and arguably most important, in all of his art is the message he is communicating. While his style of stencil is very unique, it is that message that really helps bring such an attraction. Interestingly enough, the communicated message changes significantly from each piece of art. Banksy has been identified with cynicism, political snide, environmental awareness, and many other anti-statements. In his self-published book, Banksy said, "Sometimes I feel so sick at the state of the world, I can 't even finish my second apple pie,”(Banksy 156). This statement gives readers a very clear understanding of where Banksy is coming from, and how it integrates that motif in his stencils. Street art is his outlet for expressing feeling. It would be beneficial to begin an examination of Banksy 's art in relation to the concept of freedom. This will take place in the form of answering two questions that need to be addressed: (1) how does Banksy portray freedom in his art? (2) how is it important in modern culture? Freedom is never free. There is a price to be paid. It can be seen with a firm understanding that Banksy represents this statement to an exactness. As an artist demonstrating his skill and beliefs through street art, he runs a very dangerous business. He takes