The Banksy effect: How one name casts a shadow over the global street art scene!
If you haven’t heard of Banksy yet, you might have well stayed in your cave! The elusive British artist has done it again, for 9 consecutive days he managed to stir up the London and global art scene with his instantly recognizable, blending sharp stencils.
Thanks to my good friend Giulia from the well renowned street art blog Blocal I could enjoy this treasure hunt through her eyes, a lot of people were on the move to catch the daily fresh Banksy before it was gone. Living up to his status as a force in the world of street art, his signatured work comes with powerful social commentary creating an instant media buzz and his anonymity only adds to the allure. However, the media’s fixation on Banksy has created what some call “The Banksy Effect” — a phenomenon where the overwhelming focus on one artist overshadows the contributions of countless others, diluting the richness and diversity of the street art scene. And even Belgian television would follow with a hollow point of view by a gallery owner who couldn’t stop talking about how rebelious Banksy is, but not one time mentioning urban art in general and the influence it has on the contemporary art scene today.
Banksy’s celebrity media machine
Banksy’s rise to fame is a story deeply intertwined with the media. From the early days of his stenciled, not so original rats (French artist Blek le Rat has been doing this way before in the 90ies in Paris) appearing on the streets of Bristol to the high-profile auction sales of his work, Banksy has mastered the art of using media to his advantage. Each new piece he creates becomes a headline, a viral sensation, and sometimes even a cultural event. Whether it’s a politically charged mural in Palestine or the infamous shredding of his own artwork at a Sotheby’s auction, Banksy’s actions are meticulously documented and disseminated by media outlets around the world.
This media obsession has transformed Banksy from a street artist into a global brand. His works are not just pieces of art; they are newsworthy events, investment opportunities, and social commentaries, all rolled into one. However, this relentless coverage comes at a cost. It narrows the public’s understanding of street art, creating a skewed perception that one artist’s work represents the entire genre.
The impact on other street artists
For many street artists, the shadow cast by Banksy is a double-edged sword. On one hand, his success has brought unprecedented attention to street art, elevating the genre from an act of vandalism to a respected form of artistic expression. On the other hand, the overwhelming focus on Banksy often leaves other artists struggling to gain recognition for their work.
Street art is inherently ephemeral. Unlike traditional artists who exhibit in galleries, street artists create in public spaces where their work is subject to the elements, vandalism, or removal by authorities. This impermanence is part of the beauty of street art, but it also means that recognition and exposure are crucial for artists who want their work to be seen and appreciated. When the media focuses disproportionately on one artist, it can be challenging for others to find the spotlight.
Moreover, the “Banksy Effect” can lead to a homogenization of the street art scene. Aspiring artists may feel pressured to emulate Banksy’s style or themes in hopes of achieving similar success. This can stifle creativity and reduce the diversity of voices and perspectives that make street art such a vibrant and dynamic form of expression.
Adjusting the balance
The solution is not to diminish Banksy’s achievements but to broaden the conversation around street art. Media outlets, galleries, and art institutions have a responsibility to highlight the diversity of talent within the street art community. By giving a platform to a wider range of artists, they can help ensure that street art remains a vibrant and inclusive form of expression. A challenging task for the media, because you have to know what you’re talking about and do your research. It’s far more easy to invite a gallery owner who likes to babble about Banksy
Social media, with its democratizing potential, also plays a crucial role. Platforms like Instagram have become vital tools for street artists to share their work and connect with audiences directly, although that seems something from the past (read my blog about Insta not being the perfect tool for artists anymore). However, the challenge remains for these artists to break through the noise and capture the attention of both the media and the public.
Ultimately, the “Banksy Effect” should be a call to action. It’s a reminder that while one artist may capture the world’s imagination, there are countless others whose voices deserve to be heard. By celebrating the diversity of the street art community, we can ensure that the walls of our cities continue to be a canvas for all, not just a select few.
I’m not a gallery owner, art critic or self proclaimed connaisseur but I’ve been immersed in urban art for years, from admiring it as starstruck kid to organizing projects working closely together with artists. So I believe I know a thing or two about the struggles artists face these days. It’s not easy to run your artist business all, painting a wall for 10 hours and in between sending sketches or proposals for the next project. Arranging flights and accomodation while waiting on your paint order. Reading and answering your emails at breakfast, because you can’t afford an assistant or trust a manager. Most of these artists who create these Instagram-worthy murals are one-man/woman-armies who fight against deadlines, ridiculous requirements by the next cool city-on-the-block who wants to beautify their streets but don’t trust creative freedom of the artist. Running behind with their invoices and sometimes not even get paid by dishonest organizers.
So next time you read about Banksy, think about all the other artists out there, who migt even painted a wall just around your corner. Think about all the above and if you decide to support them, don’t just hit that like button on their Instagram, but check out their webshop and buy something.!
PS: if you like what I wrote and want to learn more about our Belgian “Banksy’s”, hit that clap button below and maybe I’ll write something about our Belgian talents next.
