Antihero: Banksy

     Street art is one of my new favorite things. I've always had a rebel spirit, so I'm naturally drawn to the unlawful, revolutionary nature of street art. Secondly, I'm a fan of art in general, and I find the concepts presented by many street artists to be downright delightful. 
     For those who are unfamiliar with "street art" versus "graffiti," here's the scoop...
     Street art can include all of the following: traditional graffiti artwork, stencil graffiti, sticker art, wheatpasting and street poster art, video projection, art intervention, guerrilla art, flash mobbing and street installations. Street art is also commonly called "post-graffiti," as it is contemporary public space artwork as opposed to territorial graffiti, also known as vandalism. 
     The freewheeling nature of street art is another aspect I adore. Street artists are talented individuals challenging art by situating it in non-art contexts. They attempt to have their work communicate with everyday people about socially relevant themes in ways that are informed by aesthetic values without being imprisoned by them. Many street artists are passionate activists using their medium to speak to the masses. Others, in my opinion, are just putting the fun back into art observation. 
     Here are a few examples from my favorite street artist, Banksy:

"Interview" with the elusive Banksy...

     I truly believe that art cannot (and should not) be contained. Street artists are heroic as they risk their own freedom to keep art free and meaningful. 
     There is even a documentary about Banksy! It has the usual Banksy twist. Check it out...

     

Art is everywhere. Look for it.