Publication date 7/12/21 Book 272 Pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this book to read and review for you all.
Synopsis
In this fully revised and richly illustrated edition, author and journalist Will Ellsworth-Jones pieces together a complete picture of the life and work of Banksy, perhaps the most iconic, enigmatic and controversial artist of modern times. For someone who shuns the limelight so completely that he conceals his name, never shows his face and gives interviews only by email, Banksy is remarkably famous. This fully updated and illustrated story of Banksy’s life and career builds an intriguing picture of his world and unpicks its contradictions. Whether art or vandalism, anti-establishment or sell-out, Banksy and his work have become a cultural phenomenon and the question ‘Who is Banksy?’ is as much about his career as it is ‘the man behind the wall’. From his beginnings as a Bristol graffiti artist, his artwork is now sold at auction for seven-figure sums and hangs on celebrities’ walls. The appearance of a new Banksy is national news, his documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop was Oscar-nominated and people queue for hours to see his latest exhibition. Now moreNational Treasure than edgy outsider, who is Banksy and how did he become what he is today? This book charts Banksy's journey from the graffiti-scrawled streets of Barton Hill, the working class neighbourhood of Bristol where he and others covered the walls with vibrant pieces while trying to avoid the police, through to some of the most prestigious galleries of the world, where his daring acts of guerilla art have forced us to reconsider how we define as art. From the artist's own words to recollections of friends and colleagues, this book also examines the contradictions of Banksy's life: charting how a privately educated boy from a middle class area of Bristol reinvented himself as a rogue and an outlaw who would take the art world by storm. With beautiful reproductions of some of his most controversial and recognisable works, this detailed study is a truly indispensible guide to understanding the ultimate art rebel whose work is no less relevant today than it was when he first started out some thirty years ago.
My Review
This unofficial book was truly amazing. I loved every single minute of it. I learnt so much by reading it. I found it both very interesting and I was absolutely fascinating. The information in this book brilliant and it was very obvious it was well researched. The flow of this book was brilliant, I loved how it was separated into each topic. The book is packed full of amazing photos of his magnificent works. My favourite bit had to be the story of what people had to go through to get a piece of his work. I loved reading about how his work has gone up in price over the years. I found it wonderful how many times Banksy has help charities and other budding artists. Also how other street arts didn't like his work and often amended or sprayed over it. I couldn't put this book down. I just hope Banksy's name is never exposed as it will spoil all the mystery and interest behind his hidden identity. I really can't recommend this book enough this book deserved a 6th star! So much praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating a truly wonderful depiction of who Banksy really is. I loved this book so much I'm certain you will love it too.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US Kindle $11.99 Hardcover $18.63 Paperback $11.91
Waterstones Hardcover £20.00
Google Books ebook £15.99
B&N Hardcover $30.00 Nook $22.49
Kobo ebook £11.59
Amazon UK Kindle £5.79 Hardcover £14.99 Paperback
All prices are subject to change at any time and I won't be updating them. Please remember to review all books your read so others can find these great books.
HAPPY READING