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ART AND SOCIETY 2

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REVIEW & PRACTISE

REVIEW & PRACTISE

Reading and listening

Banksy

Banksy is a British artist whose identity remains a mystery. Banksy’s artwork is found in streets, on public transport and on walls all over the world. This artist believes that art belongs to everyone, not just to the people who can afford to pay vast sums of money.

‘A wall is a very big weapon. It’s one of the nastiest things you can hit someone with.’ The often-political pieces are known for their irony, humour and for championing freedom and non-violence. Banksy criticises consumerism, capitalism and makes fun of the hypocrisy in society today.

Banksy can be considered a chronicler of the modern world. But to some, Banksy is also a revolutionary. By challenging and criticising the things that most people accept or tolerate, the artist shines a light on the injustice of the issue in question. Banksy’s work can be considered a campaign for social change.

1 Do you think art is for the wealthy people or for everyone in society?

2 Why do you think Banksy wants to stay anonymous?

3 Can you explain the difference between championing, challenging and criticising?

4 Do you agree that ‘the wall is a weapon’?

5 Look at the image. How is it ironic? What is significant about its location?

Speaking

6 What topics or issues do you like to explore in artistic projects? Do you champion anything? What does your work say about you and the society you live in?

7   Do you think social change through art is possible?

I think that art can spark social change, but only when it is available to everyone. Street artists like Banksy are potential leaders for social change. However, art that is hanging on a wall in a private house is unlikely to have much impact on society.

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