Who is Banksy?
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The Introduction
I guess you’ve clicked in because you know Banksy. I mean everyone does, right? But just in case you randomly stumbled upon the art side of the Internet, here is a brief introduction.
Banksy is a British graffiti artist, and using his fictitious name, travels all around the world creating art. Although his footprints are scattered around the world, his identity remains a mystery. Banksy is believed to have been born in Bristol, England, and participated in street art culture, especially critical and political movements.
locate the Artworks
Many of his artworks can be found in his hometown in Britain, but a high percentage of his works are located around the world.
Every piece of artwork in the Balloon Girl series depicts a little girl reaching her hands towards the air, trying to grab the string of a love-shaped balloon, but never quite able to grip it in her hands. The painting represents the loss of innocence and the uncontrollable factors in life but the ever-standing spirit of desiring happiness. Interestingly, all of the pieces in this series are located in England.
But his arts extend visually far beyond national status. Banksy's art has been spotted on walls, buildings, and other surfaces in multiple cities across Europe, including Paris, Berlin, Rome, and even the United States, showing his far-beyond status in the International world.
Existence of other flags
Flag (2006)
An American flag, the Stars and Stripes is shown in the art piece named Flag, paying tribute to the ones who sacrificed themselves to rebuild a nation but never got a statue made for them.
It is referencing an image taken in World War II in the battle of Iwo Jima against Japan. Banksy replaced it with young men on a burnt vehicle, raising the American flag, symbolizing victory.
As a side note, it comes in a Silver or Gold edition as a reflecting background. Some may say it represents the huge amount of wealth spent in war. There are suspicions that Banksy created these in the United States due to the relation between the content and the fact that he had records of creations in the United States.
Sweatshop Boy with Sewing Machine (2012)
This example of Sweatshop Boy with Sewing Machine features a Union Jack flag. The central image had a young boy, sweating and continuing to operate an old sewing machine. Real UK flags are blunted in the background as the cloth used for stitching, serving the purpose of criticizing child labor practices.
Pathetically, child labor is often related to major British brands and companies. The colonization of past Britain contributed to the exploitation of the disadvantaged. They have to participate in the manufacturing or textile industries of more developed countries.
Children have to work very long hours under poor conditions but receive very low wages. Placing the UK flags prominently in the background puts the focus on the UK's role, both historically and presently in the involvement of labor exploitation.
Characteristic
Banksy’s stenciled graffiti art is often executed distinctively and recognizably, with a combination of pop art and classic old-fashion.
It usually features his commentary, fitting perfectly with the public’s interest in modern art.
Invader Bombs Tinseltown
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A video titled Invader Bombs Tinseltown, posted on a channel called banksyfilm on Youtube, featured another anonymous graffiti artist called Invader.
He was sticking his art on the support beams of the Hollywood Signs, believed to be accompanied by Banksy, trespassing on private property. Eventually, a helicopter is used to chase after Invader and the cameraman, resulting in a ticket of some sort, yet it doesn’t show a clear relationship between Banksy and him.
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