Street Art Debate - Banksy

Street Art is becoming an important trend in Art at the moment. It has become rather controversial and raising quite a ew questions.

What is considered "art"? What is the difference between a graffiti and a piece of art? Considering painting on walls is still very much considered as a crime, why do artists choose this way of expression? 

You will watch a video on street art, read 2 different news articles and then write an essay on one of the most famous and controversial street artist, Banksy. 

Banksy is a pseudonymous United Kingdom-based graffiti artist, political activist, film director, and painter. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stencilling technique. 

First, I would like you to look at the following video:

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkc921anMBw]

Second, click on the following links and read the articles:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-27050321

Third, write your essay of about 200 to 250 words.

1. Choose one of Banksy's street murals

2. Describe it in a few words

3. Comment it by addressing the following questions: what is your feeling about it? What issue do you think it addresses? In your opinion, why are Banksys's murals so controversial?

4. As a conclusion: do you considered it a piece of art? Why/Why not? 

This will be your final writing evaluation for this year. For evaluation criterias, click on "Evaluation".