bank$y

the art of banksy

just exited through the gift shop at the banksy exhibition in amsterdam. what an ironic clusterfuck. as an (cringe) artist I feel pretty conflicted about banksy, I like his work and street art is a cool modern medium that he definitely took to the mainstream (good/bad/whatever), but how effective is your anti capitalist message/movement when you've made yourself a millionaire out of it. it's the snow-piercer dilemma, once you fight the system all the way to the top you find that you are exactly where you were always supposed to end up. the tienaman square tank piece he has (where in this case the protester is simply directing the tanks to the dept store sale or something) comes to mind, and just reinforces that whatever statement or status quo defying rebellion you think you're taking part in, you're exactly where you were placed and intended to be. that is the nature of capitalism I suppose, our darkest desires can be fulfilled if what we provide is in high enough demand. if we are aware of this does it somehow give us an upper hand at fighting the power? or are we now more prone to complacency and giving in, getting ours, and playing the game because there is no other choice. whether he is totally self aware or entirely hypocritical is moot. banksy has his anonymity, and his money. in this day and age these are by far the two most valuable things.. besides like.. love or whatever.

(puts guy Fawkes mask on) is banksy a government conspiracy? is he some edge lord making obvious social commentary to feel superior and somehow outside of the machine? who cares, he paints some pretty pictures. all in all was it worth €19? fuck no. banksy still p whack. 

rip art. 

from over 7 years ago
on 2016-07-27

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