Planet Banksy: The Man, His Work and the Movement He Has Inspired

by KET (Compiler)

A full-color showcase of some of Banksy's most innovative pieces, offering thought-provoking comparison with the works of his students Banksy is the world's foremost graffiti artist, his work adorning streets, walls, and bridges across nations and continents. His stencil designs are instantly recognizable and disturbingly precise in their social and political commentary, flavored with subtle humour and self-awareness. More popular than ever, Banksy has spawned countless imitators, students, and fans alike, his fame—although unlooked-for—inevitably transmitting his ideas and work to the international arena. Highlighting both the relevance of Banksy's work and how his impact has continued to spread, this book brings together some of the very best pieces of art from all corners of the world that have been inspired by Banksy, as well as some of Banksy's own innovative, profound, and controversial work. Showcasing graffiti with a range of topics and coming from a variety of inspirational sources, this book provides an overview of how the man's work is changing the face of modern art, as well as that of urban landscape.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Street Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2014

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a compilation of street art by Banksy or derivative of Banksy, providing witty social commentary and bawdy jokes, interspersed by quotes from the artists. The photographs are organized by subject matter, but unfortunately, there is very little explanation or analysis. The pieces lack descriptions aside from artist (if known), location, and date, so the reader doesn't recognize the person being mocked or understand the reference, then the artwork is just lost on him/her. The lack of context sometimes renders the image meaningless.

If you like Banksy, you might prefer Wall and Piece, Banksy.: You Are an Acceptable Level of Threat, This Is Not a Photo Opportunity: The Street Art of Banksy, or Banksy: Art Breaks the Rules.

[Thomas Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Planet Banksy, compiled and introduced by KET, 2014, 128 pages, Dewey 759.42 B226p

Selections of work by 55 artists, including Banksy.


Graffiti Is a Crime: 2013, New York City, p. 18.

Cave Painting Removal:
2008, London, p. 26.

More of Banksy's artwork here:
http://banksy.newtfire.org/html/graff...

[Tony Laplume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I read a book about Michelangelo, which made me want to see all of his works, so I went through Amazon and added a few books to my wishlist, including one that’s supposed to feature his art in context. This book is a little like that. When I worked at Borders I was always conscious of the few books on Banksy on the shelves, which was my introduction to his work. Later, as I became more familiar with him, grew to appreciate him, I began to consider Banksy as the guerrilla artist our era needed. If there’re other artists doing anything notable today they’re far, far outside the popular consciousness. Banksy should be, too. All his work is graffiti around urban environments I’ve never been to, by their very nature ephemeral, subject to the laws of civic entropy. And yet he became an urban legend, and then simply a legend…In this book we see the results side-by-side with his contemporaries. I’m probably biased, but his stand out. And very hopefully, a very generous portion of his work endures. Recently, we’re told, his secret identity was finally, unequivocally exposed. What that does to the legend, his work, his legacy, remains to be seen. But the work itself demands to be seen.

[Taras Solovei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Радше альбом для першого знайомства та споглядання деяких робіт Бенксі (в меншій мірі) та інших вуличних художників, аніж "книга" в класичному розумінні цього слова.

Роботи згруповані по темах, кожна з них підписана та вказано країна/місто, в якому вона виконана (мабуть, найцінніша інформація з цієї книги), подекуди зустрічаються поодинокі коментарі автора або цитати художників. Якість друку та верстки доволі висока, книгу приємно гортати та роздивлятися.

Як подарунок людям, що цінують стріт-арт та сучасне мистецтво - супер. Як книга для пізнання чогось нового - доволі посередньо.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book, but I wasn't expecting so much artwork from others

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

“PLANET BANKSY” by KET

Mostly photos of art inspired by Banksy’s work, but not be Banksy himself

“He comes from a lineage that is one part graffiti writer – with a penchant for taking over public walls – and one part social activist, releasing there are problems in the world that need to be faced and discussed and sometimes ridiculed.” – (p5)

I think it's stupid to rent public places to politicians and multinational companies that are free to bomb us with their fucking messages. As a protest of the using of public spaces I’m feeling free to paint on the street, so the medium is the first message.” – Hogre (London) (p46)
..

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. I wanted to know more about Banksy. I was expecting analysis of his art or more about his life (AS PROMISED ON THE COVER). But it ended up to be only about the influence he had on other artist (barely described as well). So if you only want like a vague introduction about the art on the street, check it out. But I had almost regreted my purchase because I read it in less than 40 minutes and I didn't got what I was expecting.

[Rosa Carvalho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed because the book is more about the art street movement in general than banksy.
But I enjoyed to look at the pictures. And it shows the work of artists that I didn't know before.

[Graeme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures but hardly any details on Bansky or any other artists in the book.

[Aip Saifullah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Iwan Fals says (an Indonesian singer and songwriter): Graffities and Murals make authorities worried.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like most of these artists are so derivative of Banksy as to be copies. I was disappointed with the contents of this book, Banksy's works are so far superior to everything else showcased here.

[Dearwassily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some good images, but that's about it. Offers scant details or info.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Street art, not graffiti, has something to say about the human condition. This compilation of pictures does that. Thought provoking, some disturbing, and some made me smile.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of art. Would have liked more description and interpretation of each piece, though.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does Bansky even know this book exist? Took less than an hour to "read", seems like there's more pictures than words

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book. Not a lot of explanation, but lots of great images that do their own talking.

[kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

understandably little information on banksy.

writing is terrible.

[Bryan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great in documenting the ephemeral, though the artists may prefer their work to be temporary. I love seeing street art. But a movement? I don't think so.
Once again, thank you Tunbridge Wells Library.

[Theremin Poisoning]

Don't you love it when a book is more like a hardbound Google search?

[Eule Luftschloss]

A compilation of illegal graffity around the globe.

I don't feel like the stars are usable on this one. You've got a picture, the artist if they're known and time and place of the artwork, so you can dig up more background information about the city and what was important to people then and there.
Some pictures I find more aesthetical pleasing than others, but every single one tells a story. Some of these tales are more relevant to me than others, which doesn't make the remaining any less true or important.

I feel like I should venture out of my comfort-zone more often, including non-fiction reading.