Banksy pictures - Exhibition in London

Banksy - the world's most prominent street artist

Banksy [ˈbæŋksɪ] is a pseudonymous British street artist, political activist and filmmaker. His identity is unknown and he has managed to maintain his anonymity for many years. Banksy is famous for his provocative and often political graffiti artworks that he puts up on the streets of London and other cities around the world.

Banksy's messages

Banksy's artworks often address social and political issues such as war, surveillance, poverty and pollution. His works are often ironic and sarcastic and often use pop art elements. Banksy has also had several successful exhibitions in galleries around the world, including the 'Barely Legal' exhibition in Los Angeles in 2006 and the 'Banksy vs Bristol Museum' exhibition at the Bristol Museum in 2009.

A particular feature of Banksy's work is that he often places his works on buildings, fences and other public spaces without permission. This has led to several conflicts with the city council and the law, but it has also helped his work to receive greater attention.

The street art documentary

Banksy has also made several films, including "Exit Through the Gift Shop" (2010), which is considered the first ever street art documentary and was nominated for an Academy Award.

The film is about the street art scene and the rise of street artists, particularly Banksy himself. The movie begins with Banksy meeting a minor French street artist, Thierry Guetta, who is obsessed with filming street art. Banksy persuades him to become an artist himself and calls him "Mr. Brainwash".

"Exit Through the Gift Shop" shows how Guetta starts his own street art career and eventually organizes a successful exhibition in Los Angeles. However, the film takes a turn when there are signs that Guetta's career was orchestrated by Banksy himself to criticize the nature of street art and the way it is perceived by the public and the art market.

The documentary is both entertaining and provocative, offering a unique insight into the street art scene and the way street art and the idea of authenticity is perceived. It has also received an Academy Award nomination in the "Best Documentary" category.