Banksy is one of the most well-known and controversial figures in the art world. His works are some of the most celebrated in the world. Replications of his work adorn countless books, t-shirts and other memorabilia.
As such, there’s much debate as to whether Banksy is dangerous artist dedicated to a counterculture that counteracts the wealthy, elite bourgeoisie so commonly associated with the world of art… or whether he’s just another vandal and criminal. Adored by the disenfranchised working classes and the hipsters of Shoreditch alike, Banksy’s is a name that’s always likely to invite conversation. Especially in his most recent work
Banksy delivers a public safety announcement on the underground
Last month, Banksy posted a video on his official Instagram page of a man disguised as a cleaner (presumably the anonymous artist) making his way into a London underground train. The artist then stencilled the images of rats sneezing clouds of surgical mask-coloured spray paint. A clear message in support of wearing face masks on public transport to halve the spread of COVID-19. A measure that has been a legal requisite for some time, but one which many commuters seem to flout with impunity.
The legitimacy of graffiti
Banksy is by no means the only graffiti artist using his craft to make a political statement. Many artists like the French graffiti maestro Blek le Rat (whom Banksy cites as an influence) have been using graffiti to make political statements with a dark, subversive sense of humour for a long while. However, Banksy’s popularity has shone a very particular spotlight on the legitimacy of graffiti since he became active in the 1990s.
His proponents argue that his work will arguably be seen by and influence more people than most fine art which sits in galleries viewed only by a relatively small audience that is mostly white, affluent and middle or upper class.
Location, location, location
Perhaps the issue, then, isn’t Banksy’s craft or his political message, but the fact that he applies his craft in places where graffiti is explicitly prohibited. Indeed, a statement released by Transport for London stated that it appreciated “the sentiment of encouraging people to wear face coverings”… “We’d like to offer Banksy the chance to do a new version of his message for our customers in a suitable location”.
But would such a suitable location be fundamentally at odds with the graffiti artist’s imperative to bring art to the people? It’s certainly a point worth debating.
We’re here to clean your unwelcome graffiti
Whatever your opinion of Banksy, the unfortunate truth is that many of the people who graffiti people’s homes and businesses or municipal property are as talented, discerning or politically motivated. And graffiti of any sort, whether it’s a bold political statement or simply someone’s initials can be a poor look for your home or business.
The good news is that we’re here to get rid of all your graffiti, leaving your exteriors looking spotless. Token Cleaning Services is a premier cleaning company with a fully-equipped fleet of vehicles, and a team available 24/7. We can promptly provide professional cleaning services that include brick and stone cleaning, drain cleaning, graffiti removal, steam cleaning and window cleaning services for commercial, industrial and domestic clients as required.
Get in touch with us today to talk through your needs. Why not Chat to us online, call us on 01279 422752 or send a message to office@tokencleaning.com. Further information about our full service range can be found on our website https://www.tokencleaning.com/
