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lainibop 's review for:
Banksy: The Man Behind the Wall
by Will Ellsworth-Jones
My other half bought me this book almost 3 years ago, but it’s sat among all my other unread books until now. I didn’t really know a huge amount about Banksy to begin with and after finishing this book I can’t say I know a whole lot more.
Despite the subtitle “The Man Behind The Wall” don’t be fooled that there is anything more about his identity in this book than the normal internet rumours which have been circulating for a long time.
The author emphasises that this is a completely unauthorised book, (Banksy doesn’t like to give too much away). In fact there are many people mentioned in the book who were contacted for interviews, they in turn contacted Banksy only to inform the author that unfortunately Banksy wouldn’t give permission for them to speak to anyone writing a book about him. However there are some extracts from interviews with people who knew him way back when but they are very careful not to give anything away!
It’s quite an interesting read and there’s some fascinating stories about his works. I particularly enjoyed the chapter which revolves around people who try to purchase the walls where a new Banksy appears. While wishing to remain anonymous he also has made quite a bit of money from his works, particularly the prints he has done in more recent years! I also found out that he is very reluctant to authenticate any of his older works. He says the reason is that he cannot openly admit to doing pieces which could be considered illegal street art however he is also reluctant to authenticate works he did with the property owners permission. One such example is a barn wall he had permission to paint and another where he asked if he could do a piece on the side of a truck. The owners of both of these pieces have tried to sell them in recent years and despite the fact that the works cannot be considered illegal, Banksy will not authenticate them, meaning art which could be worth thousands if proven to be his work is nothing more than worthless doodles.
I’d definitely recommend this if you have an interest in him but don’t have a lot of background.
Despite the subtitle “The Man Behind The Wall” don’t be fooled that there is anything more about his identity in this book than the normal internet rumours which have been circulating for a long time.
The author emphasises that this is a completely unauthorised book, (Banksy doesn’t like to give too much away). In fact there are many people mentioned in the book who were contacted for interviews, they in turn contacted Banksy only to inform the author that unfortunately Banksy wouldn’t give permission for them to speak to anyone writing a book about him. However there are some extracts from interviews with people who knew him way back when but they are very careful not to give anything away!
It’s quite an interesting read and there’s some fascinating stories about his works. I particularly enjoyed the chapter which revolves around people who try to purchase the walls where a new Banksy appears. While wishing to remain anonymous he also has made quite a bit of money from his works, particularly the prints he has done in more recent years! I also found out that he is very reluctant to authenticate any of his older works. He says the reason is that he cannot openly admit to doing pieces which could be considered illegal street art however he is also reluctant to authenticate works he did with the property owners permission. One such example is a barn wall he had permission to paint and another where he asked if he could do a piece on the side of a truck. The owners of both of these pieces have tried to sell them in recent years and despite the fact that the works cannot be considered illegal, Banksy will not authenticate them, meaning art which could be worth thousands if proven to be his work is nothing more than worthless doodles.
I’d definitely recommend this if you have an interest in him but don’t have a lot of background.