Stencils by Banksy

There’s one man who is considered revolutionary amongst street artists. Although his identity remains a mystery, you’ve probably seen his stencil art on the web or even (if you’re lucky enough) in your own city. He’s graphitised zoos, the Israeli West Bank barrier, 500 copies of Paris Hilton’s CD and has even hung his pieces in renown art museums. Banksy’s graffiti art is thought-provoking, witty, political, ironic, sneaky and illegal.

What I love about Banksy’s art is the mixture of contemporary and past subject matter which forces you to compare eras, and think about where the world is heading. There’s always a message along with his pieces. Sometimes it’s blatantly obvious and sometimes symbolic.

One of my favourites is a stencil of Phan Thi Kim Phúc (who has become a symbol of the barbarity of war) holding hands with Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald. Whilst children are amused with these figures there are children who are the victim of war, like Phúc. Although graffiti is considered a nuisance by most, Banksy’s powerful images make you wonder where the line between graffiti and masterpiece is drawn.

Big love,