Wall and Piece

Wall and Piece
By Banksy
Currently on Order

Typically when one thinks of graffiti they think of gang tags, urban decay, and vandalism. While this axiom remains true for a great deal of the works that get plastered on train cars and alleyways, the works of Banksy have an altogether more complicated nature. Instead of simply tagging an area with a name, Banksy uses his stencils to produce social commentary. An example of this can be as crude as two policemen making out or as inspiring as a crack in the West Bank wall between Israel and Palestine displaying a beautiful beach on the other side.



While a good portion of Banksy’s work is by definition vandalism, it provokes a myriad of questions regarding the nature of art.

Is something only considered art when it is hung on the walls of a museum? How much power does an artistic piece lose when it becomes sanitized, mounted, and hung with a price tag? Art among other things is supposed to challenge those who view it and break the rules. Banksy himself tests this concept by creating his own variations of masterpieces and hanging them on such hallowed halls such as the Louvre, The Brooklyn Museum, and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In an age where a person can’t walk down the street without being inundated by billboards telling you how to dress, what to buy, or how to act without asking for permission, it makes one wonder who the real vandals are. Ironically, with the continuing interest and popularity of Banksy his works are finding acceptance and some pieces are even being protected and “commissioned.” One wonders if this will end up being counterproductive with regard to his intentions. Regardless, “Wall and Piece” is a fascinating collection detailing Banksy’s philosophy and some of his most interesting work.

For more information on Banksy, and the street art culture keep an eye out for the film "Exit Through the Gift Shop"