I finally, finally, finally had an opportunity to watch Banksy's film "Exit Through the Gift Shop" last night. It was ultimately far more interesting and critical of the world of street art, and art in general, than I expected.
I thought the film would be a documentary about Banksy. Instead it's a documentary about the entire street art movement, and ultimately an "artist" who goes by the name of MBW, or Mister Brainwash. MBW is the camera-happy cousin of another street artist, Space Invader, and through that connection he began meeting many artists and filming them at work. He met some of the most well-known image-makers on the streets, such as Swoon and Shepard Fairey.
Challenged by Banksy to make his own art, MBW puts a few pieces on the street, and eventually goes all-out and mounts a huge show in Los Angeles which sells nearly a million dollars worth of art. In documenting the evolution of this show, though, the movie questions MBW's artistic chops and the phenomenon of street art as a whole. Is MBW really making art, or just churning out some vague approximation and selling it to gullible suckers? Is art merely a cool image, no matter how derivative? Does it have to be important, or is it enough to be rebellious or fun? Does it have to be made by the artist himself, or is it sufficient for an artist to provide direction -- as MBW does -- to a team of printmakers?
The movie made me ponder the line between graphic and fine, or meaningful, art. (Or, indeed, whether such a line really exists.) Take Andy Warhol. To me, Andy Warhol was a brilliant graphic artist, but his artwork doesn't reach a higher plane -- particularly now, viewed in retrospect. And despite my love of street art, I think many street artists are similarly talented at creating images, but not necessarily images that push the boundaries of expression and viewer experience.
I like graffiti and street art because it's democratic. It's there for everyone, and it's part of a sociological conversation that occurs on the streets for all to see. While some of the art enriches the artists indirectly, by raising their profile, I don't think many make a living at it. (Banksy, whose work does transcend graphic art, is an exception.)
MBW is a lesser Andy Warhol, and even derives much of his imagery from Warhol. The movie left me feeling a bit taken for having merely photographed his work. But on the other hand, it's on the street, it's part of the dialogue, so why not?
Top: Banksy, New York, October 2008
Bottom: MBW, New York, October 2009
I watched this documentary sometime ago. I have to say that MBW ultimately struck me as an opportunist and somewhat exploitative of the team he has churning out his "work" while Banksey, on the other hand, is more thoughtful and involved in the process of what he creates.
ReplyDeleteIf you ask me, this is one big Banksy hoax. I am very skeptical about taking this film at face value, especially considering the folks who made it ;-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's true, Kevin -- we can't assume the documentary is truthful. But even if it's not -- even if Banksy and MBW are the same person (doubtful) or there's some other hoax behind it, the issues it raises are the same.
ReplyDeleteDifficult question ALWAYS! Every generation since we invented artisic expression has asked this unanswerable question- what is art? My son is a first year student at a private art school- the question hits him hard every single day! "there's so much bullshit, mom!"I will give him two years there- and then we will see what he really wants to do...His BS meter is nearly maxed out already!
ReplyDeleteI find street art so interesting because the artist has such different motivation from that of the artist whose works are sold by art dealers or displayed in galleries. In terms of its artistic merit, I consider anything that movies me to think or react in some other way as meaningful art. Is there a London equivalent of Banksey?
ReplyDeleteWell, there CAN be some commercial motivation for street art. Even though the pieces aren't for sale, they do raise the artist's profile and often help gain or publicize a gallery show, for example. It's like free advertising.
ReplyDeleteBanksy actually is based in London. He's British and most of his work has been done here, though he's visited New York, L.A. and many other cities.