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The Genius of Banksy


When does street art become art? This course examines the genius of Banksy in order to carve a place for graffiti in the sphere of ‘highbrow’ art and culture.

Created By

Damian P

Beginner
Exercise

5 HOURS

5 LESSONS

The Genius of Banksy

academic-development

Course Overview



‘I can’t believe you morons actually buy this!’ This is the title given to a recent auction of Bansky’s work by Christie’s, the long-established and highly respected auction house. The pseudonymous prankster from Bristol is one of the globe’s best-known living artists. Christie’s designation epitomises the extraordinary role that the guerrilla artist has carved out in contemporary society. While still seen as subversive, Banksy also manages to be a darling of the contemporary global art market. The main question of this course is: how does Banksy manage this and where does the artist’s extraordinary success come from? By following the artist’s trajectory from simple street stencil art to vast exhibitions, worldwide fame and multi-million-dollar sales, this course cuts through the mumbo jumbo to help students discover the real Banksy. Strap on your seatbelts for an invigorating journey!

Course Content



10 LESSONS

10 HOURS Total Length

Lesson 1

Comforting the Disturbed and Disturbing the Comfortable: Banksy’s World

60 minutes

Lesson 2

From Humble Beginnings: The Origins of Banksy’s Career

60 minutes

Lesson 3

Banksy in Hollywood: Exit Through the Gift Shop

60 minutes

Lesson 4

Banksy vs. Robbo: Street Art vs. Graffiti?

60 minutes

Lesson 5

Banksy’s Exhibitions: Barely Legal, the Bristol Museum and Dismaland

60 minutes

Lesson 6

Art or Tat? A Critical View of Banksy’s Work

60 minutes

Lesson 7

Better Out Than In: How Banksy Took the Big Apple by Storm

60 minutes

Lesson 8

The Worst View in the World? Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem.

60 minutes

Lesson 9

Gross Domestic Product: Banksy and the People Against the Markets

60 minutes

Lesson 10

Social Causes and Philanthropy: The Way Forward for Banksy?

60 minutes

Key Skills


Creative Thinking

Cultural Appreciation

Comparing and Contrasting

Contemporary Art

Educator


Damian P

World Affairs Expert

With more than two decades of experience working to promote the rights of disadvantaged communities, Damien has extensive experience in teaching and working with children around the world.