So as most of you know I am an American, but I have many english friends. One of them recently showed me a well-known English artist. He get's his fame by painting humorous and political works all over the streets of London and Bristol. His work has even been seen in America. Some say he's mad but I think it's brilliant. Some ask how can he put so much effort into these works and not get paid. Well I think in a way he does. His work is showcased for all to see, he doesn't have to pay for a gallery, he has limitless canvas space, and he has fame. The only downside to the artist's work is that he paints on and in public places, which is illegal. He must remain anonymous do to the fact that the crime he comits is illegal graffiti. However many of his outdoor paintings handve become famous landmarks. I'd like to know your views on this artist. Do you consider it art? Is it merely because he wants fame or are there messages behind his ideas? Don't be shy, although Banksy is.
http://www.banksy.co.uk

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/143614544_c14a70dc1a.jpg

I've been an admirer of Bansky for a year or so now. Some of his work is very funny, some of it is thought provoking. I think that with a lot of art galleries not attracting much interest, people like Banksy really keep the medium alive.

I think the fact that they are illegal makes him all the more interesting. Throughout history certain art has always played a controversial role in one form or another and I think by 'taming' it, it would lose some of it's meaning.

thanks for sharing duckie! =]

i've seen some of his artwork somewhere before from another website but didn't know who's the creator, now i know. =]

i admire his artwork, i thought they were pretty smart. The message behind them brought strongly to the audience. i like the way he use his graffiti to play with those signs along the street that amuse the passerby. it's certainly a pleasure to see interesting graffiti as u walk along the street, not just any scribblings. ;]

hmm... i don't think he did it for fame though. but he did really successfully grab attention of the public.

this is one he's done in my home town of bristol its amazing

http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/things-to-do/banksy-graffiti-p74151

I'm a big admirer of the save he made against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup.

I'll come out of semi-isketch retirement and post this. .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2007/09/14/140907_graffiti_mb_feature.shtml

the difference??

I love all graffiti. Unless it's a tag over somebody else's piece, mural or artwork of any kind (that includes statues). Or, you know, a monument.

Banksy could decorate this area any day for me. I like his work.