Banksy (Born around 1974) is a street artist known for his contentious stenciled pieces. His identity remains unknown, but he’s believed to have been born in Bristol, England. He came to the limelight in the late 1990s as a result of his provocative stenciled pieces. He’s the subject of “Exit Through the Gift Shop”, a 2010 documentary which examines the relationship between street and commercial art. The film was nominated for an Academy Award; it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He began his career in the early 1990s as a graffiti artist. About 10 years later, he began using stencils more and more. As his signature style developed, his work became more extensively acknowledged in London and around Bristol. His works of art are often characterized by slogans, often combined with striking images.
Banksy’s art usually take on political themes, satirically critiquing capitalism, war, greed and hypocrisy. Common subjects include policemen, apes, rats, children members of the royal family. In addition to his 2D work, he’s is known for his installation artwork. His worldwide fame has made his art to be highly sought after. One of his most celebrated pieces was the one which featured a live elephant painted with a pattern of Victorian wallpaper; this piece sparked controversy among animal rights activists. His art has drawn much interest among art students and teachers alike. They show his sense of humor and creativity. In 2005, his work on the West Bank barrier, between Palestine and Israel, received significant media attention.
