Everybody wants to be Banksy
Banksy’s work is usually critical of some societal failure, usually by those who are supposed to be watching out for us. Artists always have to be shocking or fighting the status quo or rebelling against some perceived totalitarianism these days, don’t they? Seems it’s still shocking to those who wield paint and pens that our governments have failed us. Or maybe they’re just bitter that the socialist Utopias they dreamed of and voted for have come around to bite us in the ass (Surprise!). So now every self-proclaimed “artist” is also a self-proclaimed revolutionary. Every schmuck with an acoustic guitar is John Lennon. *snore*
On the third anniversary of Katrina, Banksy (who is from England) paid a visit to New Orleans to comment on the healing thus far.
Banksy has a now somewhat famous quote concerning New Orleans:
“I looked out the window of the taxi on the drive into New Orleans and remarked, “There’s still so much devastation, I can’t believe they haven’t cleaned this mess up,’ to which the driver stared at me and said, “This part of the city wasn’t affected by the hurricane, it’s always looked like this.'” {-Gambit Magazine}
Also unbeknown to Banksy, New Orleans is home to a 52-year-old ex-Marine named Fred Radtke who has taken it upon himself to cover up any graffiti he sees with grey primer. This has earned him the name “Grey Ghost”.
WELL, Radke has become somewhat of a large rock thrown with great force into a nest of already-angry bees. Not only did Banksy start targeting Grey Ghost specifically in his art, there was a public outcry against Grey Ghost (at least from the Arts community).
A little presumptuous, arts community.
Not only that, people are threatening to sue Grey Ghost for devaluing property (after it is increased by Banksy). Since he is in cahoots with the local Police, Military police have been brought in to deal with him. Some have taken to covering their walls with Plexiglas to protect Banksy’s work. Seriously, read it all here.
Talk about being oblivious to drama unfolding within your community, unseen beneath your very eyes. At any rate, Banksy has spawned many wannabes and copy-cats, especially since that kind of money is being mentioned. They’re coming to city near you if not already. Hell, I might try this on my own house, if it can get me an extra 10-spot on the resale. I imagine others will do the same. And thus, another art form becomes inbred and devalued.
Originally published Dec2008
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