How Banksy Saved Art History

Banksy's art reinterprets and reinvigorates the history of art, from da Vinci to Warhol, with a profound understanding of the story of art. Kelly Grovier's book explores his most recognizable works, from lampooning Lascaux cave paintings to reinventing Monet's water-lily pond, and reveals how these works are refurbished by the ordeal.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2024
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

A Spectator Book of the Year, Groviers book reframes Banksys works in a new light. Inextricably linked to Da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, Banksy not only makes art but reinvigorates it. The Daily Mail calls it a new take on the history of art – from da Vinci to Warhol – as reinterpreted and ultimately reinforced by the international phenomenon that is Banksy. Few would dispute that Banksy is the most famous urban artist in the world today. That he is also one of the most perceptive art historians of our age might come as a surprise to many. But the myriad memorable works he has created over the past thirty years constitute an audacious commentary on the history of image-making – a captivating critique waiting to be pieced together. Armed with little more than stencils, spray paint, and an anonymizing cloak of after-hours darkness, Banksy has forged an alluring identity for himself as an incorrigible prankster who doesnt embrace tradition but shreds it. What actually illuminates Banksys audacious murals, impromptu urban sculptures, and vandalized paintings, however, is a profound understanding of the story of art. Banksy recasts masterpieces as powerful comments on contemporary issues: climate change, consumerism, and the struggle for peace, and reveals these works to be surprisingly elastic, resilient, and relevant. In this fully illustrated and entertaining exploration, bestselling author Kelly Grovier traces art history through Banksys lens, presenting many of his most recognizable works: from his droll lampooning of the Lascaux cave paintings to his reinvention of Monets enchanting water-lily pond, a reboot of Géricaults tragic gut-wrenching vision to Vermeers girl now instilled with street cred, everyones genius is grist for his unmerciful.

Dimension: 246 x 186 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500027059