Famed for his mysterious and unknown identity, as well as his stenciled creations which pop up all over the world in unexpected places and with unmistakable messages, Banksy’s work is iconic and often easily recognizable.
But where did the street artist get his inspiration and street art ideas from? In this article, we take a closer look at some of the artists whose work has been linked to Banksy – either by the icon himself or by art critics and followers.
The Development of Banksy’s Style
For those who have followed the artistic shifts and curves of Banksy’s career to date, whether as avid buyers and investment sellers or simply interested art fans, you will know that Banksy’s work has seen subtle but distinctive development over the years.
One of the most integral developments to Banksy’s artistic style is linked to street artist Blek Le Rat, who is famously referred to by Banksy as an inspiration for his own work.
Blek Le Rat is cited as the reason why Banksy came to embrace stencils as part of his work to add and tag art on the streets – with stencils not only creating consistent motifs and figures but making art quicker and easier to complete.
Banksy even went so far as to say: “Every time I think I’ve painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek le Rat has done it as well, only 20 years earlier.”
This quote references both the art of stenciling and some of Banksy’s common motifs which it seems may have been inspired by Blek Le Rat – for example, the famous rat which, for both artists, hold great symbolism and societal commentary.
But despite Blek Le Rat being arguably the most famous and widely referenced influence of Banksy’s, he is not the only one out there.
Banksy’s Artistic Routine
Banksy sellers will know that the artist’s work is not always easy to access or easy to take home – that’s part of the charm and is what makes the artist’s work so standout and, in many cases, controversial.
There has been a multitude of cases where Banksy works have been removed due to placement and surroundings – in two cases by members of TFL cleaning staff – and a lot of this comes down to another street artist called Richard Hambleton.
Hambleton is said to have been an influence in the work of Blek Le Rat, and particularly inspired Banksy when it came to the way in which he approached the creation of his art – sneaking out at night to erect art pieces on the streets of his current location, in order to retain a sense of mystery.
Similarly, another artist who inspired Banksy in terms of working style and the development of artistic themes is 3D, who bridged the gap between music and art with his graffiti work and time with the band ‘Massive Attack’.
Inspirational Themes
One of the biggest influences in the work of Banksy is the themes that underlie his works, and which underpin the messages he aims to share and put out there.
From political commentary to social satire, so much of Banksy’s art criticises and spotlights certain events and ideologies – from the war to capitalism, social dynamics, the stats of the human condition, and more.
As an influencing factor and inspiration for Banksy’s work, the very themes and beliefs that cause him to create his art play an integral role in his career and development.
And then we have our final inspiration which is charity and philanthropy – something which is at the heart of a number of Banksy’s pieces, including those which have been specifically created for charitably causes, and those which have been donated to charities to support various causes.
Most recently, Banksy created a piece of art on a wall outside the Southampton General Hospital, which was eventually auctioned off for £16.7 million – the proceeds of which were donated to various NHS charities in thanks for their work during Covid-19.
From other street artists to world events, personal ideologies, and a desire to help others, the work of Banksy is a culmination of a series of different inspirations and concepts.
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