Recently I wrote about politicians behaving like stage artists... But the opposite is also quite true: art has indeed always been a magnificent vehicle of political engagement. Think of Dali with his painting about the Spanish civil war ; think of Emile Zola with his "J'accuse" article during the Dreyfus case ; think of Moliere, Voltaire and co. Artists use their skills to express intimate thoughts and feelings, and you are to admit that politics can easily tap in both categories, so no wonder that their art express their political consciousness...
The street is ours
In this article I wanted to focus on two contemporary street artists who share more than a graphic technique: Miss Tic in Paris and Banksy in London. Both can be qualified as engaged graffiti artists since both express their convictions through stencils on the walls of their own capitals (and beyond). Their artworks use a subtle blend of graphic design and wit to visualise some profound ideas: anti-capitalist, feminism, anti-war, anti-establishment or pro-freedom....
A feminist stencil by Miss Tic: "Of a mother, I only have the tongue" . For more of her art click here
I find extremely interesting to see that on both sides of the Channel, two artists are having a similar subversive approach. In a world of consensus and political correctness, I like the fact that some people out there provoke reactions by pointing out the flaws of the system in a nice, witty, visual... way.
And it changes the way you approach a city. Since I came across the first Banksy stencils, I have been walking around London looking for the next one. They are always brilliantly located, taking full advantage of the surroundings. Alternatively, if you are not keen on walking around with your eyes staring at brick walls, you can always opt for a retrospective book... I can only recommend this volume which is not only inspiring and thought-provoking but also a nice coffee-table object.
So come on, reveal the urban guerrillero that sleeps in you and spray out the word!
Update 31/03/07: in order to maintain some sort or parity between France and the UK, I wanted to refer to an article that presents the French scene of street artists. It is to be read in Colour of Bohemia. Thanks Lisa for this insightful coverage.
Hi Cedric, thanks for linking me :) As mentioned in my comments box, I've been told that most of the artists I mention are now considered "old school" as opposed to Banksy who is quite "now". I'm going to London for a couple of days in April, so I'll keep my eye out for the street art there :)
ReplyDeleteBanksy is indeed only "33" compared to the other, more mature, artists mentioned in your article. But, still, they share the same playground as witnessed here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cchambaz/409259002/) and of course the same enthusiasm. And if you want to visit the Banksy London, this link might be of interest: http://www.zeesource.net/maps/map.do?group=1571
ReplyDeleteA mash-up of Google Maps and Banksy recorded artworks... An alternative to the AZ plan :)