Banksy in High School In high school, Banksy enjoyed taking art classes. However, he never took college- level art courses. He first started graffiti painting at the age of 14. His high school art teacher said, – “There were several good artists at school back then, but one really stood out and that was him.”

Banksy’s Beginning 1980s, Barton Hill district of Bristol – Extremely white neighborhood – While living here, Banksy was involved in a few fights and minor, violent acts – He was arrested once, at the age of 15. During these years, a trip to Amsterdam inspired Banksy’s graffiti interests. Upon returning to Barton Hill, Banksy made the local youth club into a “safe zone” for legal street art.

Getting Started While working with the Barton Hill Youth Club, Banksy began to develop a variety of stencils and designs. At this point in his career, Banksy began to establish his acclaimed, anonymous identity. Keeping his identity secret allowed him to continue his street art without legal consequences.

Banksy’s Style Within the street art community, Banksy is more than a graffiti artist. His styles include: – Graffiti writing (names and text) – Freehand aerosol painter – Stencil artist “He was never a graffiti artist who sold out, because he was never a graffiti artist to begin with.”

So… What Kind of Artist is Banksy? Graffiti artists: – Name writing – Ego trip about peer groups – Not about the public – Spontaneous – “Tagging” Banksy: All about the public Work meant for an audience Extensive planning and prep work

Where is Banksy now? He works primarily with stencils and spray paint. He is known for secretly placing his works on the walls of the Louvre. Banksy is also infamous for placing an inflatable doll dressed as a Guantanamo Bay prisoner in Disneyland. He currently lives in Bristol, England and often has gallery shows available to the public.

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Conclusion Because Banksy is so anonymous, his influences and inspiration are not outwardly stated. His work is similar to that of Duchamp; He questions the idea of “fine art” and pushes conventional boundaries.