Module 3: Artwork Analysis

 Module 3: Artwork Analysis

The mural by Bansky appeared overnight in Dover. Photo via Banksy’s Instagram.

            Banksy, Anti-Brexit Mural, May 7th 2017 Bansky-Dover.png

This is an artwork created by Banksy, he is a British street artist well-known for keeping his identity and artworks a secret. His art states his opinion on political and social issues that are happening in the world, they tend to be quite controversial and many of them get spray painted over. This particular piece of art is in a town called Dover, which is located in Kent, it is the main crossing point of the British channel and the entrance into mainland Europe. 

This image shows a man chiseling the stars of the European Union (EU) flag, it is a symbol for the UK leaving the European Union. This art appeared the day after it was voted that the UK would leave, this makes it really controversial because the country was very divided and many people were upset about the outcome. The location was hugely significant as it is essentially the gate way to Europe, it also was on the main road leading to the ferry terminals which means it is seen by everyone leaving the Country. 

In terms of scale it is nearly the same size as the side of a two-story town house so it is large enough to make a statement, how ever I have seen this in person and you do need to look for it; it's not right in front of you. I think this is an important factor because it is just textbook Banksy, it is a strongly opinionated and controversial artwork however it is placed on an old and irrelevant building. I think this shows Banksy's views that in the end one opinion doesn't matter if it isn't the same opinion as everyone else, or in the this case the rest of the country. 

The colours he used are the same colours as the flag however he paints the man in black and white, this provides a contrast which makes the flag the main focal point. I also think by making the man monochrome he is perhaps stating that without the EU the United Kingdom will not have any colour or vibrance, I think this is true as leaving the European Union means there is no longer freedom of movement among the UK and European countries so people with different cultures can't freely enter our country which will significantly impact society.  

works cited:

Muñoz-Alonso, Lorena. “Anti-Brexit Mural by Banksy Appears Overnight in Dover.” artnet News. artnet News, May 8, 2017. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/anti-brexit-mural-banksy-appears-overnight-dover-951626. 








Comments

  1. Samantha LozanoJanuary 30, 2021 at 9:34 PM

    Hello Tilly,

    Your art work analysis was very fitting for this weeks blog! The artist you chose being a political and social outspoken creator really reflects how art influences politics. The fact that he kept his work and identity secret but his work was shown so the public could see it speaks volumes. Sometimes free speech is mot received very well. The way he also put his artwork on an older building was an interesting choice as well. Also the time he chose to present this to the world was very significant. He truly made a statement.

    Thank you for your blog post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Samantha WernerJanuary 31, 2021 at 4:48 PM

    Hey, Tilly. I think you chose a rather relevant topic even if the painting is from 2017. Especially because 2020 is the year that the UK officially left the EU. Personally, I think that Banksy made this painting blend into the environment in order to make a further statement about the situation. At first glance, Brexit isn't a big deal to those who do not care to look closely at the issue. Who cares that they are leaving the EU? They are their own country anyways. However, once you look closer and truly evaluate the situation, you start to see the cracks in the facade. Just like the location of the painting, you must look carefully into the situation in order to see the whole picture. Although perhaps Banksy put the mural there because he could work on it without being seen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bryant JonesJanuary 31, 2021 at 9:35 PM

    Hey Tilly, I think you did a great job describing what was happening in the picture and the historical background! This artwork is perfect for the week as we talked about politics being expressed through art and you did a great job explaining why he chose to express this artwork during this time of how the UK left the EU.

    ReplyDelete
  4. shamondFebruary 3, 2021 at 8:12 PM

    I really like the artwork you chose to analyze. I think it is very interesting that the artist tries to keep his identity and artwork private. How do you know this? Do you follow the artist closely? Most artist I know of want to show off their work and name, mostly this generation they are quick to post about it all over social media.

    ReplyDelete

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