Primary Research. Despite My Research Strongly Suggesting

In the 1980’s the art world was gifted with the artist Jean michel basquiat. Basquiat, a man who lived two contrasting lives as street artist and “fine artist” in the art punk movement of the 1980’s. His work as a street artist was full of poetic and provocative messages painted in the streets of Manhattan New York, and his work as a “fine artist” did the same on gigantic canvases with looming figures in bold colours. Regardless of this dichotomy, his work in both of these practices has the ability to bring light to issues he and many others were facing and are still facing now. In particular, Basquiat’s work brought light to his personal experience with racism and struggle with otherness in and outside of the brutal art world. The next paragraphs will discuss how Jean Michel Basquiat delt and fought the oppressive systems of his time through his art.

“Street art is omnipresent in urban streets and is a rish source of inspiration for artistic creativity. . . It possesses the aesthetic voices of the ordinary and enables resistance for the marginalized. Banksy’s street art, in particular, can guide students to think about various social and political issues and to reflect upon the immediate, if not unjust, world in which they live, to transform that world, and to

“Places where art really flourishes are those where there are urgent issues that art needs to deal with. ” (Ho, 2005). In this statement, we immediately gather that art isn’t only utilised for the purpose of leisure or entertainment, however inspiration comes from minor things in our surroundings which become greater things in retrospect. Art holds a much deeper and meaningful message, and is often used to reach out to the masses. Common examples are propaganda and protest. In the midst of this identity crisis, Tsou Choi Tsang, a street graffiti artist’s work is of great significance today. The sudden surge of interes in Tsang’s work can be explained by its connection to Hong Kong’s society; the process of creating culture, rather than preserving it. Due to the political and social factors in Hong Kong’s society today, Tsang’s work is perpetually relevant. His work highlights the themes of property ownership, post-colonialism, power, and territoriality. Even 17 years after the handover back to China, and 7 years after Tsou Choi Tsang’s death, his work is still powerful and influential as it covers topics which several locals can relate to.

The film follows the idea that street art’s authenticity, or inauthenticity, has much to do with the artists’ motivations. At the beginning of the documentary, when Guetta documents the the different street artist’s works, it is revealed that Banky appreciates other street artist who have spent years perfecting their craft, developing their own styles, and devoting their time to expressing themselves. Although Banksy argues in favor of the authenticity of art made by street artist like him, he calls into question Guetta’s art. “Each time Guetta pushes his camera into the face of a celebrity or artist at work, we cringe...We’re similarly overcome with discomfort as Guetta begins to plaster all over town drawings of himself holding a camera, copying the styles of Banksy and the street artist he has followed for so long” (BU PAPER). Most street artists are drawn to their art by their passion and their need to express themselves. It becomes unclear if Guetta does his street art for fame or for

Throughout the time that humans have created pieces of artwork, the interpretation of whether or not the general public considers it art changes. In the past, being an artist was highly respected such as in the times of the Renaissance where they were alongside philosophers and other of the kind, examples being Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Nowadays, the arts are often looked down upon and disregarded and do not receive the respect they deserve. One form of art that is typically looked at with disgust and lives a very short lifespan is street art. Street art is the main focus of Banksy’s documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, which focuses on two sub-themes which were the actual creation of street art and its history along with the uprising

Street art is critical to remaining in the street as if it is removed and put into a gallery, the whole message and purpose is lost. Street art being in public spaces is an essential component to the artists expressing their message across to everyday peoples. If the art work is created from street materials “then its use of the street is internal to its meaning;/ as a result, most pieces need not be placed in a gallery” (Riggle). Nicholas Alden Riggle’s also states that “pulling them from the streets the curator eliminates their material use of the street, thereby destroying their meaning and status as street art” (Riggle). It is assumed that the artists responsible for creating street art believe deeply that “art should lift us out of

In the article, Public Art and Street Art, by Patrick Frank, the author, talks about the idea and meaning behind public art.

Simply put, there are two sides of people in the street art world. On one hand, there are those who intend to convey meaningful messages through their art and on the other hand, there are those who convey hateful or inappropriate messages. Using Tolstoy’s definition of art, “not the production of pleasing objects; and, above all, it is not pleasure; but it is a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings,” both forms of street art are to be considered art (Tolstoy). But the most significant ethical question raised by Exit Through the Gift Shop is not whether both forms of street art is art. Instead, the most significant ethical question brought up by the film is whether street art should be illegal or legal.

Banksy, as most would say, marks the pinnacle of the street art movement and what it can become in the following years or even decades; a true art form. Not only has Banksy turned the movement into an art form, but has also turned it into a future catalyst for change since his work is now the spectacle of a global public, watching and analysing his artwork which is why it has been turned into an instrument of advocacy and a visual expression of protest which in of itself can be called a form of

Street art is progressively increasing as a forbidding magnet to charm tourists to the Bronx. People are taking benefit of the worldwide interest in street art and its strong origins as a Bronx art form, and expecting that this overpowers what Maruri named the “world-wide problem” of a bad image that the area still fights with.

Overnight a paste up, created by Baby Guerrilla, has been placed on a wall in West Footscray. As a member of the arts committee, I contend that this piece of art shall remain, but not be sustained. It is undeniable that street art is a prominent part of Melbourne’s culture. A vital component of street art is the fact that it is impermanent. This is one of the countless factors that separates it from traditional art featured in studios, museums, and homes. Street art holds the purpose to be seen then and there, therefore its removal or sustainment would defeat this purpose.

An example of an artist who’s work is only present in the urban environment is a Melbourne graffiti artist under the alias of Aeon. Examples of his artworks are “Black” (undated) and “Foes” (undated), both of which are considered “Pieces” produced with spray paint on a bricked surface. Such pieces are only available for viewing on the streets of Melbourne on back lanes and ally ways. The location of his works add to the effect and subjective nature of his works with the emphasis of art flourishing in all areas of the world and by

Graffiti is a form of art that has been seen as illicit since the beginning of its origin. Thrown under the bus, street art is categorized with terms such as “vandalism” and “criminal”, along with the artists are more than often associated with those that are “delinquent” and “thuggish”. With no hands barred – street art links us to see the unsurfaced truths of society. It is a type of art that holds no restrictions or boundaries since they are merely images and text imposed on any surface imaginable. From buildings, to sides of highways, buses, trains, and desolate wall spaces, graffiti is seen everywhere. Rather than just being a public distraction or nuisance to those that do not understand, graffiti has the constructive power to convey

The importance of Public Art in communities stems from a place of creativity, voice and rebellion. All art is a form of communication whether it is street art or museum art. Artists make art to express and address their political views, mark the anniversary of something, tell a story, etc. Public art creates a sense of community in cities and towns because it reflects what the places believe in. Whether it is street art or museum art, most all humans admire what artists express because it is easily accessible and almost always demonstrates a story. Street artists such as “Blek Le Rat” and “Banksy” have used their talent to create urban art that reflects societal, political, and economic views along with a pinch of dark humour. These reflections

Banksy is a very renowned street artist who keeps his identity unknown. His artwork is portrayed by “striking images, often combined with slogans, [which] engages political themes, satirically critiquing war, capitalism, hypocrisy and greed” (“Banksy Biography”). He first started his bold street art in Bristol, his hometown located in London, but quickly spread to the United States of America. In the U.S., Banksy targeted the most populated cities; this was due to the fact that it was easier for him to spread his messages. With a crowded location, his lessons will extent over an audience much quicker.