Banksy

Have you heard of Banksy before reading these materials for class? If so, what do you think of his work. If not, would you like to know more about him?

What do you think of the "Balloon Girl / Love is in the Bin" "incident"  at Sotheby's?

What are your thoughts on the references/memes based on this work?

How would/could you use Banksy's artworks in your art classroom?

1. Before this assignment, I had already known who Banksy was. I already enjoyed his work, and invested time into finding out what he does. I think his work is sometimes a little edgy but not ever aggressive or rude, just to the point. He creates graffiti-style works that explain the imperfections of political socioeconomic part of life, and societal expectations, while poking fun at them too. The only thing I want to know is what is his background, not even his name or his life, just maybe where did he grow up, how old is he, does his art have anything to do with race or background?

2. I fully enjoyed watching it, I didn't cringe I just enjoyed the shock of the moment. And I believe that this stunt was an exhibition of art, that these men and women that are rich enough to buy a Banksy, could've never expected this. I think that what actually happened is super ironic, that this piece he auctioned was meant to be fully destroyed after purchase, and yet the machine failed him too, it's almost like he got a 'taste of his own medicine'.It's fun to see what happens afterward too, both with these people and with the memes that followed.

3. I think that some of the memes are funny, I do also think that they would be a good marketing strategy to teens and young adults that are familiar with Banksy. As McDonald's did, I think that a brand staying aware of what's happening on the internet is important to a huge audience who is on the internet. 

4. You can use his artworks in a classroom setting by using a comparison: Bansky's artwork often show's something he wants to change in the world politically, while using humor to lighten it up, you can use humor to lighten up a piece about a serious topic, what are some objects you could use? And then plan out what topics they could make their pieces about. This would work a lot better with an older classroom of students.