Banksy Mural at Foolproof Brewing in Bridgeport

ART CRITIQUE BANKSY

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Art is interactive. The artist makes art compelled by aesthetic, intellectual and emotional influences, then the art is let loose for the viewer to engage with and have their individual reaction. Amazingly the same piece of art can spur a range of interpretations, sometimes drastically different. Some artists may intend to inspire, communicate, and teach, others may make art simply out of personal compulsion, because this is all they know to do, to get through life. Every piece of art an artist makes may not be the defining work that epitomizes the artist. It may just be one of many works. But when your canvas is a public wall and your art reaches international fame, your works can create a greater impact. This is the case with the street artist Banksy. Along with other outdoor murals, an original Banksy has been installed at MNTD Studios/Foolproof Brewing

What would art be without controversy?

Though the Bridgeport Banksy resides on private property, it has sparked a broad spectrum of public reactions. Banksy, the enigmatic artist, is renowned for creating provocative and bold public works using spray paint and stencils, consistently stirring intrigue, and sometimes controversy.

One interpretation of this piece could be a critique of the ‘art biz’ and its often-absurd influence on the genuine, untainted act of creating street art, hinting at the appropriation of art by different classes or cultures, and questioning who determines its financial worth. That’s just one take. A more neutral view reveals a cultural disconnect between the art form, controversial text, and imagery

Art Critique, 4 Things

How one determines whether they like art is subjective. The viewer is offered visual clues to decipher in their own way.

Here is a BAT suggestion. Art criticism can be broken down into four categories:

  • Design, how does the overall work/composition utilize the elements of design- line, shape, color, value, texture, and the principles of the design, such as emphasis, balance, unity, rhythm, alignment, etc.?

  • Content, what/how is the content expressed. Is the content supported by the design? Content can include a theme, storytelling, mood, materials, and formal ideas about color, line, texture, abstraction, process.

  • Execution, how is the art made, executed, performed, installed, presented?

  • Taste, this is subjective, the viewer may just like it, because of the color, the theme, etc.