Public Art

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 14 January 2006 09:31:45

Have to say that I do not condone vandalism, but I am a fan of public art.

I would argue that tagging, in many cases, is vandalism, (not mindless, but still vandalism), particularly when it occurs on house walls or doors without the consent of those living there. However graffiti, (including some tagging) can be public art as Banksy and others have shown. To me the distinction depends upon the context as much as the content.

For example locally we had a v.big problem with "Flow" who was tagging anywhere and everywhere, without thought, until he was recently prosecuted. What he did not recognise was that on the post box it had looked like art, but everywhere else it was just a down right pain which was spoiling the neighbourhood.

It is interesting that the subversive public work of Banksy, (which it appears may or maynot be a collective rather than an individual), has now become recognised by and is being increasingly incorporated into the art establishment. The reason, sheer talent which has become hard to ignore, particularly in light of the innovative media friendly actions which have been performed. So it was that yesterday I discovered that Banksy has produced a wonderful "coffee table" book, being sold in the Tate Modern.

As a book "Wall and Piece" is useful as a record of alternative political/social comment at the turn of the century as well as just having some wonderful modern art within it, and so I reckon is well worth getting hold of. However, to a certain extent, it is also proof that success is and will always be in the hands of and on the terms of "the establishment". Has Banksy sold out? No, I don't think so, I just think "he" is an artist finally achieving the success "he" deserves.