Street Art Unmasked: Banksy's Brushstrokes of Social Commentary and Modern-Day Philosophy

Disclaimer:

When I visited The Art of Banksy exhibition in Queen Street Mall, Brisbane, I felt a sense of unease that Banksy may not have sanctioned this exhibition of his work. And in fact, whilst walking through the collection, it felt like something curated by a company for profit and not in line with Banksy's reputation.

Later, when I researched this blog more, I discovered Banksy's website denouncing similar exhibits in other countries as fake and urging his supporter to boycott them.

Having read more about Banksy, I hope my non-profit blog, writing about the art I saw at an unsanctioned exhibition, would not offend him too much. And I do have the utmost respect for him as an artist. However (and this is where I start to rationalise my complicity), at the time of my attendance, I was genuinely unaware and genuinely interested in understanding his art better.

Who is Banksy?

There's a lot of speculation over who Banksy is, and it seems to me that given the sometimes provocative nature of his work, it's probably best to leave it as that -speculation. Banksy's true identity remains unconfirmed even after so many years of infamy. Wikipedia seems pretty confident that they've cracked the code. Some of his works - such as printing counterfeit British currency and graffitiing buildings, can be considered illegal. While his identity may be known to certain circles, it appears wise for Banksy to maintain his anonymity and create without the constraints of personal identity.

The Art of Banksy:

Moving onto the fun part, whilst the exhibition felt disingenuous, seeing so many years of Banky's art displayed chronologically gave me a sense of his significance within the art world and his role as a cultural commentator.

Dismaland:

The exhibition's first part paid tribute to Banksy's Dismaland. This temporary art installation and 'bemusement park' by Banksy gained widespread recognition. It opened its doors in 2015 within the derelict lido site Tropicana in Weston Super Mare. Dismaland offered a dark and satirical take on traditional theme parks, a distorting mirror featuring decaying environments, unconventional attractions, and thought-provoking artworks. It served as a platform for Banksy and 50 different artists from 17 countries to critique societal issues such as capitalism, consumerism, and government surveillance. Dismaland gained widespread attention for its immersive and subversive experience, sparking conversations about the role of art in challenging the status quo.

Banksy (2015), Dismaland Imbecile Balloon

Banksy (2015), Rat Babe Red, limited edition screen print, first exhibited at Dismaland

Banksy (2015), Dismaland $1 note, with inscription 'If Graffiti changed anything, it would be illegal'

During its five-week run, Dismaland drew large crowds and became a symbol of discontent and social critique. The project showcased Banksy's ability to create impactful and provocative experiences, combining dark humour, irony, and biting social commentary. Many of the installations and artworks were later auctioned off for charitable causes, solidifying the lasting impact of Dismaland beyond its physical existence. The project ignited discussion about the power of art to challenge norms and stimulate critical thinking about the state of the world.

Unveiling Familiarity: Exploring Banksy's Iconic Artworks

One of the first things that caught my eye were three pieces that felt rather familiar. Below, from left to right Kate Moss, Di-faced Tenner, Tesco Value Tomato Soup Can. These all bear striking similarities to works created by Andy Warhol.

The exhibition took great pains to point out that these were, in fact, original pieces of art and not merely copies of Warhol's previous works (some examples of which can be seen here).

Banksy (2005), Kate Moss

Banksy's 'Kate Moss', often referred to as 'Love is in the Air', does bear some resemblance to Warhol's iconic screen-printed portraits of celebrities. Both artists explore themes of fame, consumer culture, and the idolisation of figures in popular culture. Apparently, Banksy was given access to the Moss's home to paint the image in her bathroom as a surprise wedding gift for her.

Banksy (2004), Di-Faced Tenner

Banksy's 'Di-Faced Tenner' is a parody of the British £10 note, featuring the face of Princess Diana instead of the Queen, Bank of Banksy instead of England, and the inscription: 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand the ultimate price'.

This work can be seen as a play on Warhol's fascination with celebrity and the commodification of popular figures.

Banksy (2004), Tesco Tomato Soup

And additionally, Banksy's 'Tomato Soup Cans from Tesco' was created to draw attention to consumerism and corporate branding. This, too, can be seen as a nod to Warhol's 'Campbell's Soup Cans' series. Warhol's soup cans became an emblem of Pop Art and the mass-produced consumer culture of the time.

However, Banksy incorporates his own distinctive style, messages and artistic context into these works. While there are references to Warhol's art, Banksy adds his own subversive and thought-provoking elements, often challenging societal norms and political issues. Warhol aimed to glorify celebrity and consumer culture, whereas Banksy seeks to challenge and subvert it.

The theme of childhood in Banksy's artwork

Banksy (2023), Morning is Broken

Morning is broken:

The 'Morning is broken' that I saw at the exhibition is clearly not the original, given that that one was destroyed. It is still a thrilling image to see. Banksy's art garners widespread international attention, and even replicas command ones attention. The stark depiction of a young child opening corrugated metal curtains to embrace the morning raises questions about its meaning and significance. As an artwork originally found on a farmhouse in Bristol, it could symbolise themes such as resilience, the positivity of youth, the contrast between urban and rural environments, or even the idea of breaking through barriers to embrace new beginnings. Great artists always leave their audience mulling over multiple interpretations of their art.

Banksy, Girl in the Wreckage

Girl in the Wreckage

In the image above, a young girl, bloodied and bruised, clutches a stuffed toy bear, surrounded by the detritus of a disaster. However, aid workers are instructed not to help her until the media adequately documents her suffering, catering to the public's appetite for disaster porn. This artwork is a damning indictment of the news cycle and our complicity as consumers of such content.

We have become so inundated by images of tragedy that we unconsciously disassociate ourselves from these horrific scenes. Banksy's powerful imagery strips away our protective armour, exposing our complicity in a system that monetises the tragedy of others for the guise of news and entertainment.

We are reminded of our responsibility to critically engage with the media and question the voyeuristic tendencies that drive the demand for such content. It forces us to confront our own role in perpetuating a system that capitalises on the tragedies of others for the sake of sensationalism.

Banksy (2021) Game Changer

Game Changer

To end on a more upbeat note, Banky's Game Changer depicts a child playing with a doll that represents a nurse dressed as a superhero. You can see that he has discarded his other superheroes in favour of a real-life hero.

This artwork emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a tribute to healthcare workers and their heroic efforts in combatting the virus. The beauty of this image to me, is how Banksy manages to capture the innocence of youth. The admiration associated with childhood play intertwines with the valorisation of healthcare workers during the global health crisis, allowing the positive sentiments towards one permeate and impact the perception of the other. Banksy is emphasising the bravery and selflessness of our healthcare workers and the vital role that they play in saving our lives as seen through the eyes of a child.

Game Changer resonated with people around the world, serving as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for healthcare workers during a challenging time. It was initially displayed at the University Hospital Southampton in the UK. The painting was later auctioned, with the proceeds being donated to NHS charities.

Conclusion

Banksy's impact on the art world cannot be overstated. His art is provocative, socially charged and disruptive of ideological norms. He has a unique blend of wit, satire and powerful imagery. Banksy sparks conversations where ever he goes, bringing awareness to important issues. His art transcends traditional gallery spaces, appearing on the walls of bridges, houses and public spaces. He frequently uses his fame for the benefit of others and is a true role model in our modern day society. I look forward to many more years of following his artwork around the globe. If you're interested in reading more about the artist, I found the website Banksy Explained quite helpful, I liked their candor about being 'unofficial and unauthorised'.