There is graffiti and then there is graffiti

**Maggy J** · 19-07-2006, 20:39

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/5193552.stm

Quote:

A piece of graffiti by Bristol artist Banksy has been allowed to stay after what the city council described as "overwhelming support" from the public.

I must say it's not really graffiti..it's modern art.

AndrewJ · 19-07-2006, 20:40

I like it, not the normal rubbish you see on walls

someones took some time to make that.

Wicked_and_Crazy · 19-07-2006, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/5193552.stm

I must say it's not really graffiti..it's modern art.

Contemporary art

but as it unauthorized defacing of a building it has to be graffiti

Xaccers · 19-07-2006, 23:29

What ever happened to the really good graffiti artists of the 80's?
Now all I see are simple things like "Baz woz ere" repeated 20 times and very little art

Gareth · 19-07-2006, 23:45

Banksy has done some fantastic stuff. Check out his website... www.banksy.co.uk - he really is a truly talented artist.

Saying that, it is graffiti... but so are the street artists you get in Bath city centre. I tolerate this style, as would most people, cause at least it is artistic and not just a plain nuisance.

Gareth · 17-09-2006, 23:21

I'm a big fan of Banksy's work, but I just saw this... http://supertouchblog.com/?p=317

There's something not quite right when A-List celebs like Brad and Angelina are snapping up pieces of Banksy's "revolutionary" art to adorn their Hollywood mansions.

Has he finally sold out...?

Kliro · 17-09-2006, 23:24

'fraid it looks like he has...

**Kevin T** · 17-09-2006, 23:38

Well two different viewpoints on it from the comments on that site:

Quote:

Some of it is great work, but how many wisecracks do you need to make a point, to me most of the work has a subversive/ revolutionairy context but on the other hand how revolutionairy can you get when selling art for 100k and up to industrials, actors and other media figures. If it would be 100$ a piece it would be way more radical, if you catch my drift.

Quote:

Well done Banksy. 100k price tags! Ha ha ha. You totally ripped the pish oot these rich Hollywood knobbers. Love and Respect

Kliro · 17-09-2006, 23:45

Interesting. But I've heard he takes legal advice n' that before doing any piece - so is he truly trying to make a statement, or just doing it for the moolah?

It would make a statement if he replicated the pieces he sold for 100k and sold them for 100 quid.

danielf · 17-09-2006, 23:52

Do you have to be poor to have a conscience then?

(I should add I'm not very familiar with Banksy's work)

Kliro · 17-09-2006, 23:58

I don't really get that statement?

danielf · 18-09-2006, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kliro

I don't really get that statement?

Why is he accused of 'selling out'? Why is he not credible (apparently) when his work fetches big money?

Kliro · 18-09-2006, 00:10

He was at first seen as someone who took a stand, made political points - he was like the voice of the 'small people'

Now people feel he's pandering to clients - working for companies etc. he's not their voice anymore and he doesn't give a damn about them. etc.

**Kevin T** · 18-09-2006, 00:11

As far as I can see, his artworks aren't overtly political (even though he's done pieces on the wall separating Israel from the West Bank), therefore he can't be accused of 'selling out' in that sense...

If, however, you see all graffiti type art as radical or revolutionary then you could hold to that opinion...

Kliro · 18-09-2006, 00:17

A lot of it takes some sort of political stance.

The 'dead' red phone box to sybolise their 'killing' off

Kissing policemen - as gayness in the police was/is taboo.

etc.