However, the artist's repeated removal of his pieces adds to the excitement and devotion around his work. According to Banksy biographer Will Ellsworth-Jones, "Banksy is an artist who has people running around the city desperate to see his work before it is painted over.", this masterfully executed replica of the iconic Impressionist painting Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lillies (with a few minor details added) calls attention to some very serious issues. Banksy condemns current society's disrespect for environment in favor of commerce by including two abandoned shopping carts and a traffic cone in. Banksy's message is that society is obsessed with material possessions, causing us to consume more than we need and generate unnecessary garbage.
This book contains a fraction of Banksy's past, with just enough data to provide insight into his viewpoint and objectives, but not enough to identify him. That's great with me; I like the suspense around his identity. He retains the ability to speak truth to power on our behalf as "everyman" or "any man." If you haven't watched "Exit Through the Gift Shop" or heard of him, this book is an excellent introduction to his work. And, if you're a die-hard fan, it's a joy!
LONDON— Banksy's piece, which he sensationally self-shredded three years ago after it sold at auction, brought 18.5 million pounds ($25.4 million) on Thursday, a record for the artist. Sotheby's in London auctioned "Love is in the Bin" with a presale estimate of 4 million to 6 million pounds ($5.5 million to $8.2 million).
(Photo courtesy of Bristol Street Art Blog)
The Steam Roller Traffic Warden, which first appeared in 2009 on a steam roller parked on the kerbside in Lewisham, London, is less thought-provoking and more just funny. Let us be honest: nobody likes traffic wardens (right?!) As a result, this is a really funny composition, made even more so by the way the warden raises his arms in the air.
