Exit Through the Gift Shop - A Banksy Film

I borrowed this DVD from the Library almost 3 weeks ago and finally got a chance to watch it last night (the looming overdue date had something to do with it).

I've recently kindled a real interest in street art, having spent 5 days down in Melbourne, Victoria I loved walking through the alleyways looking at the vibrant and beautiful artworks people had created with the humble spray can (with approval from the local Council in designated areas of course).

As I wandered about, eyes scanning the dirty walls and stinky garbage bins for more unicorns or fairies or other crazy creations someone had deemed the public should view, I came across a small black stencil of a rat...an unassuming rat that people were madly photographing and posing next to. I asked our guide 'what's with the rat' and was told 'oh that's a Banksy rat'....thank you for the insight.

Banksy. HUGELY popular UK street artist shrouded in a veil of mystery. The media has never seen his face, he keeps it this way due to his profession falling into a 'legally grey' area. His 'artworks' are spread all over the world, with his famous rats, balloon children and other pieces being seen on the West Bank, Los Angeles, Australia and almost anywhere you wouldn't expect to find them.

Anyway, the documentary I watched last night was created to capture not only Banksy's clandestine work but also other street artists. The movie began as one French man's obsession with filming anything he did, when he latched on to street art he naturally became obsessed with filming all the big names on the street art scene - particularly Banksy.

The documentary takes a surprising twist as the camera is turned on our French friend to give viewers an idea of the shallowness of the art world and how out of control the latest 'trend' can get, in this case the trend being 'street art'.

I really enjoyed this movie, it was not what I expected and you are left with a lot to think about in terms of whether the right marketing and hype at the right time justifys instant success where others have spent years working to gain recognition. I couldn't decide if I was happy, jaded or annoyed by the end. I was certainly something though and to me that is the sign of a good film.

I highly suggest it to anyone interested in art, or to anyone interested in a good story. Just don't attempt your own Banksy-style handiwork outside your own home, buy a piece on Ebay instead....no 'legally grey' areas here.

Exit Through the Gift Shop is available to borrow from the library.

Exit Through the Gift Shop - A Banksy Film