Banksy: Hero or Villain?

[Jacob Adler]

As you may or may not be aware, Banksy made an art piece in Westwood outside of Urban Outfitters. This is subject to much controversy and there was an article written about it in the Daily Bruin. Banksy is what Prof. Winter would call a provocateur. He is a graffiti artist who has a lot of talent and has created an international scene. Since our class dealt a lot with "what is art" already, and I think everyone would agree that Banksy's work is art, I want to pose a different question that we haven't discussed at all in class: "Should all art be glorified?" and "Is Banksy a hero or a villain?"

 

Ultimately, it is up to the owner of the graffitied property to decide whether to keep it or not. The reason why Banksy is in the news is because a group of Banksy supporters are trying to prevent the removal of his art in Westwood. Should it be up to the community to decide if graffiti stays or goes or should it be a decision made only by the property owner? Also, where do you draw the line with this type of art?

 

(For more information on Banksy, you can read his wikipedia page and the daily bruin article.)

[Gaurav Agrawal]

I was really upset to see that Banksy was in fact removed. I think his art is magnificent and sends a very clear and meaningful message. I've seen other Banksy works and I even saw his documentary. I find it fascinating that he's never been caught, I did not even know who he is until his art in Westwood showed up!

[aramide olaniyan]

I believe he is a hero and that his "art" in westwood should not have been taken down

[James McAfee]

I think the decision about Banksy's art should rightfully belong to the property owner, but he or she should make the decision knowing that Banksy's art is not graffiti, even though it sends a strong message.  The line that should be drawn should be made to separate art that is dangerous and art whose message does not stir up any significant conflict.

[Christopher Sangkyun Park]

The difference between graffiti, vandalism, and street art need to be defined first. I watched his documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop" and was able to draw a very fine line between street art and graffiti and vandalism. Banksy is known for his creative and thought provoking art that he leaves randomly in the street. The only thing that sets his art from the art you see in museums is that it is not on a canvas, but on common places and things that are found in public. If you watch the documentary or follow street art, you would know that street art is a rising art form that is even displayed and sold at high prices from exhibits and showcases. Did you know that Banksy's works are taken and sold in auction for huge amounts of money? And that he gets none of that money? He basically gets his art stolen and sold. Isn't that a crime in itself? It's like stealing a painting and selling it without giving money to the artist. The people trying to take down Banksy's work just do not understand that it is really art. They are ignorant and not open to the interpretations of art. Sure Banksy can be accused of causing chaos to society by being very provocative, however; he is just as provocative, if not less, than John Waters is. Banksy is not a villain, but more of a pioneer and savior for those who express themselves through street art.

[Victoria Kent]

I think that all art is glorified in its own way. People have many different opinions about what they think is art, and what they believe to be good or bad art. Ultimately I think it should be up the owners of the graffitied property because they bought that property. Though Banksy is talented and I think it is very cool how he randomly places his artwork he has no say if his artwork will remain. 

[warren hardie]

Last time I walked by this piece of art I noticed that someone had drawn a mustache on the boy.  THis is similar to Duchamps drawing of a mustache on the Mona Lisa. I thought it was pretty funny and clever for who ever did this to banksys art. It also says Duchamp was here off to the side. If I had to guess some one in A n A 10 did this to the work.

[Anabel Meza]

Personally I have to say he is a hero. Most heroes have to go out of their way or out of the social norms to inflict provocations about his/her thoughts. By opposing the social norms Banksy is expressing himself in an artistic way. I feel that a villain is actually someone who does something immoral or unethical that hurts someone else. Bansky is not hurting anyone, if anything, I bet he is bringing more customers to Urban Outfitters.

[Jacob Adler]

Interesting that he is expanding his audience so well. I will admit that he is pretty good at catching peoples' attention and staying in the spotlight.

 

Also, the documentary about him, "Exit Through the Gift Shop," is available on Netflix for instant play. So if you or your family or anyone you know has Netflix you can watch it. I haven't watched it yet, but maybe it will change my opinion of him. Who knows. Thanks Sonja for telling me about the documentary.

[Kevin Wang]

In the strictly legal sense, I think Banksy is a villain, and that not all art should be glorified. Although the piece in Westwood is amazing, the decision to keep the piece is, and should be, Urban Outfitter's. I believe art can only be glorified when the means to create it was just, fair, and reasonable. 

 

I actually just saw his piece in person the other day, and I hate to admit it but it's amazing and creative.

[Andrew Cutrow]

I personally think that Banksy's art is amazing. Even though it is graffiti, it sends a clear and provocative message that inspires action and thought. I can understand why a property owner would want it down, but at the same time, if it draws attention to a store in a good way, why remove it? Clearly the art has elicited a response and if the property owner had any sense he could try and use that to stimulate business. There's no reason why local business and provocative art cant go hand in hand.