Banksy
Banksy
Banksy is an England-based graffiti artist, political activist and film director of unverified identity. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world. Banksy's work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Observers have noted that his style is similar to Blek le Rat,...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionArtist
people done ugly
People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly.
art order people
The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages.
believe thinking justice
I like to think I have the guts to stand up anonymously in a western democracy and call for things no-one else believes in - like peace and justice and freedom.
wall party bus-stops
Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal, a city where everybody could draw whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall - it's wet.
tools graffiti street-art
Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing.
life beautiful kings
Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a f**king sharp knife to it.
people stronger use
Some people criticize me for using sources that are a bit low brow (this quote is from 'Gladiator') but you know what? 'I'm just going to use that hostility to make me stronger, not weaker' as Kelly Rowland said on the X Factor,
art police today
Today's art has been cancelled due to police activity.
artist self views
But there's no way round it-commercial success is a mark of failure for a graffiti artist. We're not supposed to be embraced in that way. When you look at how society rewards so many of the wrong people, it's hard not to view financial reimbursement as a badge of self-serving mediocrity.
shopping world should
We can't do anything to change the world until capitalism crumbles. In the meantime we should all go shopping to console ourselves,
trying world enough
I originally set out to try and save the world, but now I'm not sure I like it enough.
art important levels
Should # graffiti be judged on the same level as modern art? Of course not: It's way more important than that
artist stealing great-art
The bad artists imitate, the great artists steal,
hero villain dies
Live as a villain, die as a hero