Is Banksy’s graffiti due copyright? Banksy is well known for his graffiti and how well he can create art which can send a message. He is the art world’s most celebrated graffiti artist with his most expensive piece selling for $25.4 million named “Love Is in The Bin.”
When graffiti comes to mind most people think crime, illegal and vandalism; The Criminal Damage Act of 1971 states, “Graffiti can be considered an act of criminal damage.” This is not always the case, graffiti is a very subjective art style that does not have to be illegal and can be something loved by all, like other art by famous painters, sculptures, etc.
With Banksy’s most expensive piece being sold they would have to remove the wall to sell it. But who owns the art, does Banksy or does the owner of the wall own it? This was answered with the story of “Gorilla in a Pink Mask”
Banksy painted this in a Community Centre where the owner thought it was normal graffiti and took it off. Then they realised that it was Banksy who did this and restored it. It has now sold and for that they took out the wall.
“However, while copyright allows the graffiti artist to prevent others making copies it does not allow them to stop others from selling the original, physical embodiment of the art.” – Creators Rights Alliance, a UK site championing and supporting creators.
Banksy has recently sold many of his pieces of art boosting his economic growth. His art is famous for showing a purpose or telling a story towards life. However, is he making his art for his economic gains, or to spread a word to the world?
Banksy is a big figure in graffiti art but not in art in general. Graffiti is not shown much respect in art and is not taught in most schools as a topic, should it be though? To some people graffiti is a wonder and a form of art, to others it is vandalism, not a form of art but a serious crime.
Let us know your thoughts about graffiti in the comments below
By, Ieuan, Rory, Jack Yr8 and Reuben, Owen Yr7
Carres Grammar School, Sleaford
Really interesting article. I read the news report a week or so ago that Banksy was inciting people to shoplift at Guess on Regent Street as revenge for the fact that he felt that Guess had stolen his artwork to help advertise their products. I guess it is very difficult once he puts his work into the public domain.
I think you raise a fab question when considering whether graffiti and other such art forms should be taught in school. I’m inclined to say yes as the curriculum should reflect the modern world but it would be a challenge to explore the topic in a way that also acknowledges the dangers or limitations!
Banksy is a bit of a strange one. I like the whole “anonymous artist leaves his work in random places around the world” thing, but I don’t think selling commissions for tens of millions meshes well with the anarchist/rebellious lifestyle he paints of… I do like his art though!
Well done
This was great I think it is art but I think that art is taught in most schools