We are sure you have all heard of Banksy. Banksy is known to be a pseudonymous artist, this is when a person uses a false name. Banksy is known for being an English street artist who is also seen as a political activist through his work. He is also a film director from his hit documentary ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’.

Although Banksy’s identity is disclosed, he is said to be from Bristol due to his artwork first being seen in Bristol’s underground scene. His work became up and coming as he began to collaborate with musicians. Banksy began in the 90s and was part of a group of graffiti artists named DryBreadZ Crew. Banksy used to use stencils for his artwork every now and then although he has now switched to mainly using stencils for his art and graffiti.

Bristol has a total of 11 pieces of artwork created by Banksy dotted around the area. One piece of art is located in Stokes Croft. This piece of artwork is named mild Mild West. This piece of art was created by Banksy as a response to plenty of raves and parties that were going ahead unlicensed. The event that encouraged this specific piece of art was the event that took place down Winterstoke Road on New Year’s Eve, 1997/1998. There was a large riot of police who began to attack the party goers of the New Years Eve unlicensed party.

Dismaland is an iconic part of Banksy’s journey as an artist. Dismaland Bemusement Park was created as a temporary project for a new way of presenting Banksy’s art. It was constructed in Somerset within the town named Weston-super-Mere. The construction of the park was funded all by Banksy as he showcased his work. Banksy said that the reason for his project of Dismaland Bemusement was that ‘it’s a theme park whose big theme is – theme parks should have bigger themes’. This statement can be interpreted in many different ways, and one way is reading this statement as a critique of consumerism within our society. As today’s society is attracted to the spectacles and entertainment of the world.

Banksy is a widely known artist whose work can be recognised by many and is truly iconic. With plenty of pieces that have grabbed people attention with brilliant stories behind them and wonderful projects that showcase art in different ways that have never been done before.