Inspired by Banksy

Working under the pseudonym Banksy, the Bristolian street artist, whose identity has never been revealed since the beginning of his career in the 1990s. He has provided the art market with equal parts mystery, activism and talent through his street art. Political activism has always informed Banksy's work. So much so that it is in fact hard to tell whether Banksy considers himself in the first instance as an activist or artist. Whatever the case, each piece of artwork produced by the artist contains an overt moral significance. Banksy's career has been filled with headline-worthy stunts where the world's media have taken notice. Across the globe, art enthusiasts as well as members of the general public, are on the lookout for the next location where Banksy will choose to strike again. On a wall of a prison, an old parking lot, or another unremarkable urban space, Banksy leaves his lasting mark. 

Whatever the latest target of his artwork, it is a fair to say that Banksy does not shy away from controversy. It is perhaps the neatest PR campaign of all to cause outrage through art and communicate a valuable message. Banksy's tried and tested political an artistic PR machine, that often employs a dark, subversive, satiristic sense of humor, is able to evoke scandal around the world and turn this attention towards a worthy cause, whether that be to boycott a war, take stock of a migrant crisis or other unrest in a certain corner of the globe. Shocking the art world is what Banksy does best. Some see him as the godfather of street art. He is certainly one of the most famous artists at this time in the world. Other artists such as Ravi and Daru in the street art and activist art space have taken his image of art and imitated it not in its direct nature but in its ability to engender social change. Check out a selection of works curated by Artsper inspired by Banksy, the Bristolian enigma!