Review of Banksy and the Rise of Outlaw Art
midlandsmovies • August 25, 2020
Banksy and the Rise of Outlaw Art (2020) Dir. Elio Espana
As the gavel banged down to signal the end of bidding at a 2018 Sotheby's auction, the painting sold, Balloon Girl by infamous street artist Banksy, was partially destroyed live in the room after the prankster included a shredder within the print’s large golden frame.
The £1.04m price tag must have seemed small change by the buyer as the immediate global attention on the stunt ensured the event, and the artwork, became one of the most celebrated acts by the artist.
And so begins a new documentary that explores the Bristol artist Banksy and his background in graffiti. The film however explores more than just that as it uses the artist as a jumping off point as his anti-establishment views are tied in with the history of graffiti and the ethos of those involved.
The documentary shows how his conceptual, satirical and political work came from the street art world he inhabited, which in itself originated in its current form from America in the 70s. The New York subway system specifically allowed those who ‘tagged’ their name to the side of trains to have their name seen across the city.
The film continues with the history of those involved in the art movement here in the UK including the importance of Robert Del Naja (also known as 3D) a graffiti artist and founding member of the Bristol band Massive Attack. Del Naja himself has been (wrongly in my opinion) named as Banksy himself given his band’s tour schedule and the location of subsequent Banksy artwork.
Yet, although Banksy is mostly the focus, the documentary is comprehensive with a range of enlightening interviews with great insight from fellow creatives and critics.
Having visited Bristol and seen some of the original Banksy’s still visible around the city (including the Mild Mild West) just a few weeks before writing this review, the documentary expansive outlook helps flesh out the artform for passing fans. And it also gives wide-ranging context to the iconic images many have seen all over the world.
The film is also a reflection of how Banksy has mixed street art, social activism and heady themes - which has resulted in many of these works talking to the wider public whilst seemingly not losing his authentic roots.
Although nowadays his canvas works have been valued at millions, his urban work and unpredictable vandalism on buildings has maintained his notoriety. Infiltrating the pretentious world of high art – especially when he simply added his pictures to the walls of famous art galleries around the world – has seen him gain interest from both worlds.
From the influences of rave culture (you can see the smiley face logo in many of Banksy’s works) and mixing stencils to elaborate wall paintings, the documentary is a fascinating look at the punky anarchist outlook of this unique artform.
In the end, the documentary’s style is straightforward but from the tight editing and informative interviews, the film delves into the mesmerising history of graffiti and its role in the 21st century.
Banksy and the Rise of Outlaw Art therefore excellently captures the intoxicating anonymity and outrageous humour of the daring artist, whose work has moved from the outside walls of houses to inside contemporary auction houses.
Michael Sales
Banksy and the Rise of Outlaw Art is available on YouTube & Prime
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