indesignlive.com’s Hong Kong editor, Ben McCarthy, takes us to see underground-graffiti-artist-turned-global-artist Bansky’s first solo show in Hong Kong
May 13th, 2008
Ben McCarthy is indesignlive’s Hong Kong editor. He is an Aussie expat industrial designer currently working with British expat Michael Young.
As a long time follower of Banksy’s work, it was with anticipation that I visited his first solo show in Hong Kong.
The exhibition consisted of over 30 pieces, which range from about $30,000 AUD, for one of 350 signed prints, up to $680 000 AUD for a door, removed from a warehouse which Banksy sprayed for a party in 2002.
It’s difficult not to admire Banksy’s brand of anti-establishment stencil art. It is visually strong, efficiently produced and generally conveys a poetic, socially relevant if not controversial message.
Mostly by spraying walls, under the cover of darkness, he forged an anonymous profile evidently flying the “message is more important than the medium” flag.
What I find intriguing is the commercial rise in Banksy’s profile. His image is becoming more and more part of popular culture, and no longer that of an underground vandal. Indeed many councils have discovered Banksy’s work on public property and opted to keep it – even preserve it.
In the past few years his work has appeared less on street walls and more in galleries. Sometimes it’s the same image. Which has sparked accusations of “sell out”
And perhaps there is some justification in the irony of left wing activist, turned commercial artist.
Yet his work remains original and credible, and he doesn’t change his style according to trends or to aid cooperate sales, perhaps he’s not “selling out” – perhaps we’re “buying in”.
The effect of Banksy’s career will only be evident in the years to come. Surely he has opened doors for other similar artists to capitalise on the newly established lucrative market for graffiti-style social commentary.
Perhaps he’ll be seen in a ‘Warhol’ light in years to come for bringing his style of communication to a wider audience, pioneering a stencil-pop aesthetic and offering an entry point to the art world for a younger crowd who may not otherwise care.
This may be the very reason for the show in Hong Kong. Banksy’s work is not very well known in Hong Kong outside the creative circle. Surely a city teeming with young expat professionals with high disposable incomes is an attractive place to expand his profile. To his credit, he, possibly more than any other artist, has access to this generation.
I’ve always enjoyed Banksy’s work, because I get the impression he just wants his message heard. Regardless of the medium and regardless of the legalities; and generally, he’s given it away. But the thought of forking out 50k for something that was displayed on my local bus stop pains me.
Ben’s pieces will be updated monthly, keep an eye out for them on indesignlive.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Verosol has long been associated with not only developing ground-breaking window covering products, but also educating the wider world on their energy saving potential. Its collaboration with Curtin University’s Legacy Living Lab is just the latest example of this commitment.
Brisbane designer, Robert Geddes, is the 2008 Smart State Designer of the Year. Queensland Arts Minister, Hon Rod Welford, made the announcement at the qdos Awards galin Brisbane on Friday the 13th June, presenting Mr Geddes with a $5000 travel bursary. The Smart State Designer of the Year Award recognises a career of design excellence […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Symbolising a commitment to cultural preservation and timeless design, Powerhouse Castle Hill invites visitors into the stories behind the artefacts in a diverse range of educational and cultural activities.
Archie Moore’s kith and kin unveiled in the Australia Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.