3
Jul
2009
Concerning the Mindless Destruction Of Banksy Pieces in Bristol
I wrote this article for Ezine Articles, its about the recent spate of attacks on Banksy works in Bristol:
Banksy Prints – The Sole Remains?
By Lora Sutton
The last year has seen three major Banksy Graffiti pieces destroyed in what appears to be attacks by people who seem jealous of his creativity and certainly lacking the talent to produce their own works.
Soon, it would seem, the only way to see Banksy Art will be by buying Banksy Prints, as more and more of his works are vandalized.
One group have made it clear that they want to destroy his much-loved works in Bristol (the anonymous artists’ Home Town).
Are we likely to see any existing Banksy pieces in another year?
Three of the major Banksy Graffiti murals affected are:
Banksy Little Diver
This piece known as the “Little Diver” which was painted on the walls of an alleyway in Melbourne, Australia had been under the protection of acrylic glass, but it provided little protection when the piece was vandalized last year, destroying not only a hugely popular work of street art, but one which had been valued at being worth over $400k.
Banksy’s Chalk Farm Maid
Last year, one of Banksy’s most iconic pieces “The Chalk Farm Maid” was obliterated by whitewash.
Most people conclude that it was that the destruction was the “work” of a rival Graffiti Artist and the message “All the best – Vida” was left behind in red paint.
Perhaps if the vandal had of left an image which was as brilliantly executed as the Chalk Farm Maid, people wouldn’t have been so devastated by its loss.
Sadly, all that was left was a wash of white paint and a poorly scrawled message.
Banksy’s “Mild, Mild West”
A group calling themselves “Appropriate Media” has recently claimed responsibility for spattering this piece, depicting a Teddy Bear about to throw a Molotov cocktail at advancing Riot Police, with red paint.
The Group state that they are opposed to the popularity of Banksy Graffiti with Hollywood movies stars and how his artwork is bringing about gentrification in working class areas.
As with the Chalk Farm Maid, this group do not seem to have an ounce of Banksy’s wit or talent and instead of making their point with a clever piece of street art, they merely threw red paint over Banksy’s artwork.
It’s sad that people are trying to destroy these works of art which have added such valuable and poignant commentary to the urban landscape and worse still – they’re replacing them with nothing more than whitewash and emptiness.
Thankfully, it’s easy to secure Banksy Prints and Posters and books containing his artwork – but if you can go and see his pieces, before they are removed by bungling Council Officials or jealous, childish attacks, then you would be wise to catch them while you can!
Lora Sutton
Banky Prints
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lora_Sutton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
