Sunday, June 24, 2007

How banksy of you...

Until I read the relatively recent New Yorker article on Banksy, I only appreciated him for his art. After all, he made anarchy and chaos a respected form of art. He brought graffiti indoors into the most exquisite galleries of Chelsea. He is witty and talented. He is one of the most sought after artists.
Never before have I thought to think what it means to be Banksy. It is a complete dichotomy. To produce art for the sake of art, but people willing to pay tons of money for it. Mocking capitalism, government and bourgeois yet having these people as your followers. Seeking acceptance and recognition, yet always having to be incognito and never revealing your face.

I mean can you imagine? Your whole life is a big conflict. Apparently, he gives most of his money to charity but still... Is that playing Robin Hood?

His art has come to a stage that is ironic in its recognition and appreciation. The very people that he mocks are becoming his audience. Well maybe there is a wry humor in that... People pay to be criticized and ridiculed by him. Maybe there is some sort of satisfaction in that. I do not know. I think that this is the very reason why Kurt Cobain committed suicide (well also tons of drugs don't give you a clear perspective but still in essence it was the fact that you can't choose your audience)

Should you just quit what you love to do because you do not like who you are appealing to? Can you quit your passion? Then what is the point of your life? I just never realized how hard it is to have your life be one fat irony... Banksy, you are awesome

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Funny, I had never noticed how the people Banksy mocked are now among his followers as well. But isn't that the fate of any talented artist? For better or worse, certain people seem to rise to the top and become 'mainstream' whether they like it or not. I guess the only other solution is to move to Williamsburg, grow long hair and a beard (if you're a dude) and try to live out your life in relative obscurity.