Banksy Working From Home

[Icarus]

Banksy is not only an outstanding artist, he is also shrewdly philosophical.

[Recusant]

Banksy is not only an outstanding artist, he is also shrewdly philosophical.

A character indeed. Many years ago (2009) I was privileged to get to go to the Banksy exhibition in Bristol. It was a genuine art event. The exhibition had been running for a few weeks but even so the queue on a rainy Saturday morning was astounding. On the wide pavement (sidewalk to USians) people could stand easily two or three abreast and still allow a lane via which those with other business could proceed, and it went on for many blocks. I estimate it was between a quarter and a half of a mile long.

The museum had their game on though, and there was only a reasonable amount of standing with steady progress toward the entrance. Despite the rain it was a pleasant queue to be in given the company: Lark, her son Meconopsis, and art loving Brits adjacent. I'd happily stand in that lengthy queue again if that exhibition were the destination.

You can see some photos from the exhibition, called "Banksy vs. Bristol Museum," here. You can find walls of text describing the exhibition and its stature in contemporary art as well (example).

There were surrealistic sculptures large and small, some tucked away in unlikely locations, examples of Banksy graffiti and original paintings as well as whimsical takes on museum exhibits (glass cases containing bizarre items). An interesting collaboration, in which the museum cooperated while Banksy stretched and in some sense lampooned the concept of art in museums and museums in general.

I agree that his art conveys a shrewd and trenchant vision of contemporary society, while often evoking a smile as well.