What if a language study trip to England were, for you, an opportunity to come face to face with an authentic Banksy artwork? LEC takes a look at what we know about this artist, whose true identity remains, to this day, a complete mystery…
Banksy, the pseudonym of an enigmatic street artist
Banksy is neither a first name nor a last name: it is the pseudonym—one that has almost become part of everyday language, as you may have the chance to see for yourself during an upcoming language study trip to England —of an artist whose scope of work transcends many boundaries. Thus, while he is primarily known for his street art, he has also made a name for himself as:
- painter
- Director: He is the filmmaker behind the highly acclaimed documentary *Exit Through the Gift Shop*, which was released in French theaters under the title *Faites le mur!*
How would you summarize Banksy’s work?
Banksy’s signature style? A masterful blend of Warholian influences and larger-than-life installations. His stencils, whose highly distinctive style has spread far beyond the borders of the United Kingdom, combine humor with political activism. A staunch anti-war advocate, his message also carries hints of anarchism. Some of his stencil drawings have even been created on the Israeli separation barrier.
Dismaland, the secret artist’s latest sensation
Just recently, the artist made headlines again by opening a parody of Disneyland parks in the town of Weston-super-Mare. Its name? Dismaland, a portmanteau of “dismal” and the famous Walt Disney parks. The venue brings together, on the coast of Somerset, a series of subversive works where fairy tales are no longer quite so enchanting. There, for example, is a castle ravaged by flames… the very essence of street artist Banksy.