- Title: USA: Renowned street artist Banksy's anonymity keeps him on top
- Date: 13th May 2010
- Summary: PARK CITY, UTAH, UNITED STATES (FILE) (REUTERS) BANKSY ARTWORK ON OUTSIDE OF BUILDING ON MAIN STREET CLOSE UP AND PAN OF ARTWORK PHOTOGRAPHER TAKING PICTURE OF FLOWER NEW YORK, NEW YORK (FILE) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (REUTERS) VARIOUS IMAGES OF BANKSY'S ARTWORK NEW YORK, NEW YORK (RECENT) (REUTERS) ARTIST SHEPARD FAIREY'S RECENTLY PAINTED URBAN MURAL FAIREY TALKING TO PEOPLE NEAR HIS MURAL (SOUNDBITE) (English) ARTIST SHEPARD FAIREY SAYING: "He works very hard at staying anonymous and it's really stifled his freedoms in a lot of ways but it's worked very well from a branding perspective. His notoriety is way more than it would be if he weren't anonymous."
- Embargoed: 28th May 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Reuters ID: LVABTXNC31RLX0NGLMBSE2AJPMI
- Story Text: He is considered one of the most influential artists of our time, yet his identity remains a closely guarded secret. The graffiti artist known as Banksy has made a name for himself by transforming vandalism into an art form.
As his film "Exit Throught the Gift Shop," debuts in Canada and Russia this month, the elusive artist may just have to work harder to maintain his anonymity.
"He works very hard at staying anonymous and it's really stifled his freedoms in a lot of ways but it's worked very well from a branding perspective. His notoriety is way more than it would be if he weren't anonymous," said artist Shepard Fairey.
Fairey appears in the film, in which Banksy turns the lens on himself and other graffiti artists - all the while maintaining his invisibility. The film has played at the Sundance and Berlin Film festivals and has received some critical acclaim. Fairey says the real success though, is that Banksy's social commentary strikes the same note on-screen that has resonated with fans of his street art.
"The way that he makes very witty images that seem to push back against all the forces of repression, I think it's very cathartic for people," Fairey said.
Ultimately, Banksy questions the meaning and value of art. And while he may not be seeking the spotlight like so many others do, one thing is sure, Banksy is definietly bankable ... and keeping his identity a mystery may prove to be quite a challenge. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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