Banksy does New York directed by Chris Moukarbel was a reflection of how we perceive materialism, give materials value and carry the torch as the driving force behind popularity. Chris Moukarbel captured art on a public spectrum made for enjoyment, appreciation and social awareness become the phenomenon element of greed, theif and profit.
Banksy forced you to look at social issues and history by accompanying clues within videos on his website creating a scavenger hunt for his art always having an alluring undertone message. The intrigue and mystique of Banksy not wanting to be seen is a glimpse of projectory appreciation of privacy and offering a visual experience for open interpretation not fame. Often we over look things that are right in front of us, because it isn’t presented in the light that we want it to be. Instead of just accepting it for what it is.
Banksy made the unnoticed noticable; the same thing you may have overlooked yesterday he brought meaning to it by opening your spectrum of value. The concept was simple Occupy art on the walls of different streets; it didn’t stop there. Banksy pushed the envelope all the while enhancing neighborhoods with a form of expression with historical background.
When you create something you have a set expectation of how you want to reach people however, you don’t have control over how others will receive your social currency and what it “will become.” Banksy’s art became a social scavenger hunt forcing people outside of their environmental element, his work became exploited, vandalized, protected by the Wet Wipe Gang, sold, sort after, open to public scrutiny and a hot topic on the news leading to a man hunt for his arrest.
The supply of his work was demanded by hunters, art conveissors, the eagerness to be in the know but not all of the attention it brought forth was wanted. Banksy opened a spectrum causing people to be engaging, aware of their surroundings and step outside of their comfort zone for a mobile social experience beyond social networking.
He challenged others to visit places they probably would not normally frequent and people took advantage of that opportunity. It displayed the barrier of gentrification and shed light on locals awareness as they made a profit. Some people charged hunters to take a picture of a Banksy in a public space. He brought value to a neighborhood that was overlooked; as the posed question remains from Day 10 “Would you have come to this neighborhood if this (Banksy artwork) wasn’t here?”
No explanation leaves it open for people to use their imagination as to what they depict it as. It caused a frenzy, several debates, critique, people gathering to engage in a unique experience and a glimpse at our culture through actions. Furthermore highlighting the failure to think beyond what is presented without researching the history or existence of a work. His crafty insight raised money for a homeless shelter and issued greater good.
Day 12 highlighted the notion of “buying into the hype.” We are so oblivious that signs are right within our reach but we choose to ignore them. Later, it becomes a “I wish I or I should have..” of course when a $60 piece is later valued at $250K. Views of art were tested as people claimed ownership, profited, tagged and painted over greatness (the aspect of thought provoking art that created a common community no matter what your background was). Could or did Banksy foresee all of this happening by sharing his ingenious passion? We will never know.
Support this documentary do your research as it will be premiered at The SVA Theatre this month at The DOC NY Festival. Good day splashy readers!
Chanel Speedy®️ 