Art

ASSIGNMENT
1. Watch Exit through the Gift Shop (1.5 hour documentary) available on Netflix or YouTube.

2. Learn more about the artist, Banksy, and his “Better Out Than In” series in NYC.

3. Compile your notes to #1 and #2, and post a response in our Discussion Forum (at least 2 full paragraphs).

LEARN MORE ABOUT BANSKY
In October 2013, Banksy engaged in what he referred to as a “NYC art residency.” He called it “Better Out than In.” In the “Better Out than In” series, he created one street art image, mural, installation, or performance piece ever day for 31 days.

Watch the trailer for the documentary about Banksy, “Bansky Does New York”:

Go to the website documenting “Better Out Than In” and look at all 31 images. Many come with “Audio Files,” so take a listen. Pick one you like or think is interesting.

REFLECT
Banksy’s artwork and his series raise lots of questions that are central to this course, but also in any discussion on the value of art in our culture. What does Banksy’s artwork and the way he creates it invoke? Does his work convey a “feeling”? What would Tolstoy say about it?

Banksy’s techniques are unique sing public space as canvas, doing so anonymously, etc.). Does art created in public spaces belong to all? As then Mayor Bloomberg put it in a press conference, “you defacing property is not my definition of art.” Is graffiti “art”? Or do you agree with Giuliani? Explain your position with examples for proof.

Banksy suggests that there’s a “moral in there somewhere.” What do you think the moral of the story is? Does street art need to stay in the place it was created, or can it be transferred in a gallery or museum? What happens to the artwork? What happens when art becomes commodified? What is the purpose of art in a capitalist system, and what does the success of the artist in Exit through the Gift Shop suggest?

WRITE
In our forum discussion, reflect and answer (some) of the questions and issues above , in addition to anything else the material raises for you. YOU DO NOT NEED TO ANSWER EACH question. They are meant to get you thinking about the material. Write about what’s interesting to you.

Do not use the internet to complete your work, beyond using the visual resources listed. I want your opinions and ideas, not that (or the words) of others.

Your answers should demonstrate you have reviewed all of the material required to complete this assignment. Please respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts.