The world’s most famous street artist, Banksy inspired us to create our own piece of graffiti on a wall of our own making for or first online course in our Summer Fun!
Banksy is the pseudonym of a “guerrilla” street artist known for his controversial, and often politically themed, stenciled pieces of art.
Banksy’s identity remains unknown. He is believed to have been born in Bristol, England, around 1974. He rose to prominence for his provocative stenciled pieces in the late 1990s.
He is the subject of a 2010 documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, which examines the relationship between commercial and street art. This documentary was nominated for an academy award.
Banksy’s artwork is characterized by images that are often combined with slogans. His work often has political themes, critiquing war, capitalism, hypocrisy and greed. Common subjects include rats, apes, policemen, members of the royal family, and children. In addition to his two-dimensional work, Banksy is also known for his installation artwork.
Recently he created a painting called, Game Changer that he donated to a hospital in the UK and will be auctioned off to raise money for the National Health Service.
The piece that will inspire us today are Banksy’s Rats in Paris. Banksy often uses rats in his motifs, particularly in his earlier works.
Students used chalk pastels to create their own wall to stencil their graffiti on to. Using a stencil they each made themselves in the image of one of Banksy’s signature Rats – complete with spray paint can! Students then added their own colorful parasol or umbrella and painted a vibrant rainbow with authentic looking street art “drips” at the end of the rainbow.
If you’re up for an outing to see some amazing graffiti right here in Toronto, Graffiti Alley in the fashion district is alive with bright and vibrant colours. Sometimes referred to by its adjoining alley Rush Lane, Graffiti Alley is a series of murals of legalized street art. Check it out next time you are in the area. You won’t be disappointed!
Great job to all our students – It was really fun for us to be teaching again!
Here’s a look at some artwork that student’s sent in to us…
I really love the “Banksy Vibe,”
Please send us a picture of your creation – We’d love to see it!