Inspiration Post #1- Banksy.

I know that Banksy is a fairly standard source of artist inpiration but seriously, it's not hard to see why.

Artistic practice as a form of self-expression has always come naturally to me but there is one artist in particular who has influenced my work like no other. Banksy is a British graffiti artist who continues to produce work anonymously all over the world. His humorous and distinctive stencil art often carries dark undertones and his own political agenda. The fact that Banksy remains anonymous is something that I admire. The strong messages he manages to convey to not only the art-aware public but also the general public are also something I often strive for in my own artistic practice.




The way that Banksy stays anonymous, for me, is a point of extreme interest. In my opinion this makes the statements he makes all the more powerful. By separating his art from himself he is able to foreground the meaning he is trying to convey showing his determination to make his audience think rather than give him personal praise. This is a quality I strongly admire as I think that art’s role is more than to be aesthetically appealing. Throughout my practice I have often been inspired to take the same technique and apply it to my works, leaving them in a place to be viewed by an audience without interruption from myself, the artist, allowing the audience to make up their own mind about the issue I have explored. It is obvious to me that Banksy’s message is always more important than his own reputation and prestige as an artist, this has inspired me immensely.


I feel that the placement of Banksy’s works is also an admirable aspect of his art. I truly respect the way that Banksy literally gives his art to the public. He puts his pieces in danger of being painted over or defaced in order to reach an audience that surprisingly enough does not experience art nearly as often as necessary; the public. As Banksy says himself:


"Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a piss." (Banksy, Banging Your Head Against A Brick Wall)


When art is placed solely in a gallery it is only those already interested in art that get to experience it, however when art is introduced to the street a whole new audience is reached and their opportunity to become passionate about art is revealed. Banksy’s work has introduced art to a whole new generation. So take it to the streets I say, because of Banksy’s influence on my own artistic practice I endeavor to create works which are accessible to anyone, no matter their current situation.




Banksy’s approach to art has truly inspired me to delve deeper into artistic practice. His work, while tackling strong political issues, still manages to be enjoyable and often humorous. Banksy is focused on conveying his message to the public despite the chance that his work will be destroyed and despite the fact he will not gain recognition from it. As an artist I have been truly inspired by Banksy and I can only wish to have such commitment to my message and hope that my work can be as accessible as his.

References

Banksy. 2005. Wall and Piece. Century Publishing.

Banksy. 2001. Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall. Weapons of Mass Distraction.

Banksy. "Banksy" Accessed March 27, 2011. www.banksy.co.uk.