The Buzz about Banksy

The Buzz about Banksy

by M.Tomycz

Know what the hottest ticket at Sundance was this year? It's probably not what you think. Fans and festival goers waited for hours in the cold, cold rain to see the film "Exit Through the Gift Shop", a last minute addition to the festival line-up. "Why all the buzz?", you ask. Because of one two-syllable word: Banksy.

If you haven't heard of Banksy, you probably soon will. But even once you know of him, you still won't know about him. No one really does. And that's exactly how this anonymous British graffiti artist wants it.

What is known: Banksy is from the UK. Possibly born in Bristol around 1974. His work began mysteriously popping up on city walls and on trains in the late 90's. His distinctive images are created using a stenciling technique, similar to that of Blek le Rat (who is known as the pioneer of stencil graffiti art). Themes of his work tend to be political: anti-war, anti-establishment, pro-freedom. He has achieved cult status and has a celebrity following, yet there are many who still view his work as nothing more than vandalism.

Banksy, whose real name may be either Rob Banks or Robin Gunningham, seems to enjoy all the controversy. In 2005, on a trip to the Middle East, he created several images on the Palestinian side of the West Bank barrier wall, ruffling many feathers.

A year earlier, he walked into the Louvre and hung a picture resembling the Mona Lisa, but with a smiley face for the head. He has, in fact, smuggled his work into many of the top museums in the world.

As Banksy's popularity grows, so does his mystique, and "Exit Through the Gift Shop" just adds another piece to the puzzle.

The movie is about French guy named Thierry Guetta who's making a documentary about anonymous graffiti artists. When he meets the secretive Banksy, the tables are turned, and all of a sudden Guetta is the one being documented. In the film, which he also directs, Banksy speaks to the camera - though he's cloaked in a hoodie and his voice is disguised.

As with all things "Banksy", controversy surrounds the film and reactions are divided. Is it really Banksy? Does this "documentary" have any truth to it at all? Does it even matter? By all accounts the film is entertaining and provides a glimpse into an underground art world most of us don't get a chance to see. "Who Needs Truth? This is art", reads one enthusiastic review - and we're inclined to agree.