Do Not Buy Me.
A book inspired by an argumentative paper discussing the sale of Banksy’s art for profit. This book captures Banksy’s ethos through its design, featuring a layout intentionally crafted to challenge and frustrate readers. In doing so, it mirrors Banksy’s philosophy and turns the act of reading into a performance art experience.
Frustration.
When writing the paper for this project, I gained an understanding and admiration for why Banksy creates street art. I empathized with his frustration over his work being torn down and hoarded by the rich. My goal was to convey that frustration using his most iconic design as the focal piece, while letting the background show the intense emotions Banksy must be feeling.
Love is Not Destruction.
This artwork juxtaposes innocence with destruction, highlighting the impact of war and violence on the most vulnerable members of society. Through this powerful image, Banksy critiques the normalization of violence and calls for a reexamination of our priorities and values.
Harsh Reality.
The violence in Gaza has become so normalized, that you can depict the child hugging a bomb as if it were a teddy bear. The striking image highlights the unsettling reality that children in conflict zones can become desensitized to the horrors around them.
Segregation.
A powerful piece of artwork on the West Bank barrier, showing a beach scene through a painted hole in the wall, contrasting the harsh reality of the separation with a vision of freedom and peace. This artwork critiques the division and highlights the longing for unity and a better future.
Your Money Means Nothing
Banksy’s street art aims to shed light on the injustices and inequalities of our society. If the so-called “art enthusiasts” collecting Banksy’s work truly appreciated it, they would understand that what they are doing is wrong. Which is why I believe money means nothing if Banksy’s message is gatekept.