THE SCRATCHES & WRITINGS ON THE WALLS
Protests & Political Leanings
In some quarters of the visual art worlds, there are outcries relating to the lack of art focussing and addressing the current crisis in politics and political leadership, all over the world. Some say, “it appears as if professional politicians of all hues, have lost all ethics, moral compasses, diplomacy, lost with their microscopic binoculars.”
Others say, ” the situation and scenarios are ablaze with absurd and complex ideas of political correctness, in public speech, attitudes and even private behavioural habits. One artist in particular, bemoans and question, “why are there so little work about the current political crisis.”
I think, people in those quarters who are questioning, making wild accusations and statements of those nature, as described above. Are not looking in the right places, they are simply using words to provoke a response.
Political art will rarely, right now, be found in the private commercial art spaces. Some works we could subscribe to the ideas of social political protest art, may be found and seen in public exhibitions, like the current touring ‘British Art Show 9.’
Tag Identity
Political Art is Everywhere on the Streets. However, it is all illegal, desecration of public property is against the law. Found guilty you could be fined, severely. In the worst cases, be sent to prison for a specific period of time. Not a good outcome – no name tag, status, nor income.
Yet, many people are still wondering why artist like Banksy’s identity remains incognito. One of the leaders in new contemporary trends of street art, what he is doing is more than unique and original, it is a phenomenon, a great wonder and joy!
Leading the field with new ways through creativity, personal political protest and decisive actions, the adventures of Banksy and graffiti art is similar to long running unwritten scripts. Real and alive, in series of dramatic cinematic episodes full of unexpected twists, delights, fun and laughter.
Then suddenly, you realise the extreme seriousness of it all. Human tragic travesty to the extremes, in strange bizarre deaths.
Created free and not for profit, totally out of his hands and control, no longer anything to do with him. The legal chaos, commercial entanglements and active court cases relating to Banksy’s works all around the world, are unwritten sagas not yet fully explored.
His dynamic displays and heroic show of work in war-torn frontline environments, are rarely reported in art-news publications. Devoted Fan Blogs are the only way to know and follow his current works.
Art & Global Crisis
In a world turned upside down, spinning around and round, in this Dome called Home, it is no longer fun or funny, honey! Does art matter right now, in major unprecedented crisis after crisis?
Formal, conceptual, theoretical and philosophical reasonings for art, are ok from the faculties of professors in safe closeted institutions of learning.
Not so necessary in the public domain. Neither is the art produced and manufactured for the global markets. Where the selling price of art work is most important, much more so than its content and meanings.
when visual art is full of substance and relevant to the times, containing up to the minute meanings. Viewers are inspired, become enlightened, empowered and proactive. Generating changes, the essential motivating factor and acceptance we urgently need, right now! Way to go Banksy!