W2 Banksy

W2 - Banksy 

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        Prior to this lesson, I did know of Banksy as an artist. I knew him as an anonymous artist, one both elusive and well-loved by the art world, focusing on political works and often using painting, both street and traditional, for his messages. My opinion on his work, in a word: instrumentalist. 

        Discussing the “Balloon Girl / Love is in the Bin” incident reminds those of us within the fine art world that a sense of humor is needed when analyzing a work and living among the arts. I personally found the ‘incident' both clever and humorous. Banksy certainly shocked the global art market that day, and left his mark in the international chapters of art history. It’s beautiful how an act of possibly defiance and destruction can heighten the value of a piece, both memorably and financially. 

        It was not surprising to see independent artists and capitalistic companies mooching off of the shredding bandwagon that Banksy had created. Between sellers on Etsy creating cheaply cut t-shirts displaying the girl with balloon, and McDonalds using the event to advertise their GMO French fries, there was more than enough meme to go around. Banksy’s work had not only left an impression in the art world, but created a tidal wave in the world of visual culture. It further goes to show that the visual arts are a second language, one that can communicate both defiant and humorous messages. 

        Within the art classroom, there are many places for Banksy to fit in. When creating lessons, educators can select Banksy with ease as they form units around street art, politically charged art, and the effects of visual culture on a society. As an anonymous artist, it allows each and every child within the classroom, from all walks of life, to be able to invision themselves in the place of the great creator - which is an extremely important ideal to teach within itself: anyone can create art, even ground-breaking, news-making art. And they don’t even need a name.