Creative Blog
Banksy is now a world famous modern artist who’s work is heavily sought after by serious collectors and the rich elite. He is a seriously switched-on individual, showing flashes of pure thought provoking genius.
His work ranges from a mixture of subtle and sometimes boyish takes on modern life, to deeply political observations and expressions.
With years of graffiti and street art experience behind him, he has become the most recognised contemporary artist on the planet, sparking a torrent of worldwide copycat artists.
Recently, I was fortunate to be able to avoid the huge queues and get an invite to a private viewing of the hugely popular Banksy vs Bristol Museum exhibition. As expected, it was an amazingly put together show with many hidden surprises dotted around the place.
Here is a selection of some of my favourite pieces.
Urban Rat
I almost missed this little guy who was hiding out in a (real) part of the museum showing ‘river side’ stuffed animals. This stuffed rat sports tiny Oakley shades and a rucksack, with a miniature spray can at his feet. The common rat has become a Banksy trademark, more commonly seen as stencil pieces on walls.
Fur Coat
This is a seriously clever piece. From the rear it seems as if a leopard is having a snooze on a branch. As you walk round to the front it becomes clear that this is a fur coat (see inset image). The tail swings slightly every so often using animatronics, which adds to the overall realism…creative genius!
Rabbit & Mirror
Another nice piece of animatronics using a surreal white rabbit which is sat if front of a vanity mirror. The animated nail file movements of it’s arm is hypnotic and frankly eerie! There are some nice details, including little pics of Madonna and Marilyn Monroe to add effect.
Boat
An interesting development of Banksy’s ‘retouching’ of old paintings.
Panda Head
A toy panda’s head stuck to a wooden shield.
Princess Diana Money
A briefcase full of fake money with Princess Diana’s face in place of the Queen’s.
Rice Fields
A rice field worker has been cut-out of the canvas and reworked to show her taking a break with a smoke on the corner of the frame. There is even some real grass behind her. A great concept executed brilliantly.
Tweetie Got Old
Old Tweetie hasn’t aged well by all accounts! This animatronic is strangely lifelike. The jowley old bird slowly opens and closes his eyes and looks utterly miserable. Up-close it looks like it’s made of preserved chicken skin, exquisitely crafted.
The Jerusalem Terrorist
This beautiful scale model of Jerusalem was made from entirely from memory by a Bethlehem craftsman. It was purchased by Banksy who added 284 toy soldiers. Hidden within the model is a single masked terrorist holding a red case.
Dirty Magpie
As I was leaving the exhibition I noticed this magpie perched on top of some graffed-up toilets.
Images © Jamie Brightmore
Further Info
UPDATE: Banksy’s Exit Through The Gift Shop (Exclusive 5 min Extended Sneak Peek)
