Banksy: Completed

by Carol Diehl

There's more to Banksy than the painting on the the first in-depth investigation into the mysteries of the world's most famous living artist.

Banksy is the world's most famous living artist, yet no one knows who he is. For more than twenty years, his wryly political and darkly humorous spray paintings have appeared mysteriously on urban walls around the globe, generating headlines and controversy. Art critics disdain him, but the public (and the art market) love him. With this generously illustrated book, artist and critic Carol Diehl is the first author to probe the depths of the Banksy mystery. Through her exploration of his paintings, installations, writings, and Academy Award-nominated film, Exit through the Gift Shop , Diehl proves unequivocally that there's more to Banksy than the painting on the wall.

Seeing Banksy as the ultimate provocateur, Diehl investigates the dramas that unfold after his works are discovered, with all of their social, economic, and political implications. She reveals how this trickster rattles the system, whether during his month-long 2013 self-styled New York "residency" or his notorious Dismaland of 2015, a full-scale dystopian "family theme park unsuitable for children" dedicated to the failure of capitalism. Banksy's work, Diehl shows, is a synthesis of conceptual art, social commentary, and political protest, played out not in museums but where it can have the most effect--on the street, in the real world. The questions Banksy raises about the uses of public and private property, the role of the global corporatocracy, the never-ending wars, and the gap between artworks as luxury goods and as vehicles of social expression, have never been more relevant.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely zero artistic talent or knowledge, but that’s perfectly fine with the style and easy flow of Carol Diehl’s new book exploring Banksy’s art, methods (or more appropriately, modus operandi) and social resonance. Ms. Diehl goes into sensible detail but doesn’t get bogged down in minutia. As I read along, I googled many of the artworks she discussed, plus she has numerous illustrations throughout the book.
I must have been living in a cave; I had no idea Banksy had completed a documentary film, owns a hotel and has many writings to his credit. I absolutely love his view on social and political situations and ideas. His ability to travel and complete his art in various locales without detection (or arrest) is impressive. I found this to be an informative yet pleasant book about an extremely interesting subject.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and MIT Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is October 26, 2021.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featuring many images, this is a fascinating work that avoids wasting time attempting to unmask what the identity (identities?) of Banksy to focus on the work, its impact, and the treatment by the art criticism establishment. There is an overview of Banksy history in a timeline of stencil graffiti artists reaching back to Blek le Rat. Explorations in detail are made of large-scope works such as the month-long New York City "residency", Dismaland, and the Walled Off Hotel. Much is based on the author's first-hand visits and inspections which is in contrast to the examples given of art critics demeaning to such Banksy projects without experiencing them. In sum, this becomes a treatise on the meaning of art and the appearance of public spaces. Is it the graffiti artist that spoils the view, or the plethora of billboards and placards?

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banksy is world famous and his work instantly recognisable but he chooses to remain anonymous and one of the (many) aspects of this meticulously researched and insightful book is that the author doesn’t try to delve into his personality or “unmask” him in any way, respecting his desire to stay out of the public eye. If only other critics were so respectful…Be that as it may, I found this a wonderfully illuminating and enjoyable study of Banksy’s art, an art that is often derided by art critics but much loved by the general public, not least because it is immediately relatable. Clearly and accessibly written, with a welcome absence of jargon, I found the book informative and enjoyable. The text is detailed but never ponderous and is accompanied by many well-chosen illustrations. I closed the book with a real sense of having learnt a great deal and with a deeper understanding of this most interesting and provocative of artists. Highly recommended to art lovers of all stripes – including sceptics and art critics.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For over 10 years, I have followed Banky's work and truly enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed Diehl's access to the Pest Control Office to gather first hand representations for Banksy. His art is widely critiqued and Diehl has a great way of explaining why. It is not too "artsy" and is approachable to the lay critic like myself. Diehl also explained how money is to be made in the art world and it opened my eyes to whole new side of the art world. The images selected were appropriate to the section that one was reading, unlike some books that display photos in the middle of book.

Given the pandemic living era regarding Covid, it was really neat to see how Banksy could easily go about creating his guerilla style of art with a Covid theme in his home bathroom and the London subway system. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

***Thank you NetGalley for providing me with access to this e-preview. This review is based on an ARC.***

[KathleenB · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting kind of history of Bansky but only about 2/3 of it is actually on the artist. The rest is about tangential issues like possibly connected art trends or artists.

[Sarah Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really interested to read this book because, like so many people, I am a fan. This book is full of great information and stories about the elusive artist and it’s a treat to hear it from this perspective. It also makes me wish I had been able to visit Dismaland and the hotel. Overall I really enjoyed the book, the way the story was told and the authors portrayal of who Banksy is and what he stands for. I always keep my eyes peeled in Toronto because you’ll never know when things will pop up.

[Tawney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hardening of the categories leads to art disease." - Kenneth Snelson

Being a member of the great unwashed, it has never been a concern whether Banksy's work is or is not 'Art'. I enjoy the style and the skewering of politics and culture for the cleverness of it. Carol Diehl has shown that I didn't know the half of it. Her descriptions and explanations of a few of Banksy's works point to layers of meaning that aren't apparent at a glance. She also points to the pay-off of his style and anonymity in keeping the work relevant. Along the way Diehl offers her opinions on Artspeak, the Art Market, and critics who don't do their homework. Her writing is non-technical and insightful. I was afraid this book might be a slog and instead found a delightful and informative read.

Thanks to MIT Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars!
When I got this book, I expected it to be a more of a "coffee-table" style book with photos of Banksy's installments and a brief discussion of each in captions. However, the author does a great job of presenting and academically discussing Banksy and his work, as well as considering the opinions of anti-Banksy art critics. As a long time fan of Banksy's art, I've just realized how little I actually knew about the artist. My only complaint, is although it was adequately illustrated as it is, I did wish for more pictures of the art being discussed. I'm grateful to Netgalley and MIT Press for the opportunity to read and review Banksy: Completed.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of research the author sourced for this book about an artist known for his anonymity. She presents both sides of the discussions about "street art": the controversy over whether it is a true art form, monetization of "art in place', and the value that is placed on art at auctions. I gained a much deeper understanding of the artist, his methodology and political stance, and an even greater respect for his art. I am very grateful to have had this rare access to Banksy and to the art world in general.

Thank you to NetGalley and MIT Press for this advance review copy.

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages.” #Banksy

My rating: 5/5

I’ve been intrigued by works of Banksy for many years! Beautiful, fairly simple art that just randomly appears all around the world. It was amazing when his work appeared in Nottingham last year, it felt surreal, shame that it got simply sold in the end, I was really upset, because in my understanding street art belong to the people and streets!

This book is amazing! There are different interviews, from critiques, haters, artists and supporters of Banksy, I loved quotes that were used all along the book made by the artist.

Author has made an incredible work, collecting all the resources, I just want to say thank, somehow, I feel grateful for this book. I only wish there were more art pictures, but I guess the main point was explaining sense behind Banksy’s certain art pieces and projects, and what happened behind the scenes and the future of those works.

It’s great that this book is showing importance of the specific location of his graffiti, because taken away from the original spot, they just loose the meaning to them.

Just think about it, Banksy is an artist or a group of artists that no one really knows anything about? Crazy huh? In the world of internet and social media, where everyone knows everything about everyone.

Thank you @Netgalley and @MITpress for E-Arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Karen Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and fascinating look at the world’s most famous, yet anonymous artist. Instead of endlessly speculating on his (her?their?) identity, she focuses on the work itself, the critics who disapprove of him, and the art world’s relationship with street art. I thoroughly enjoyed her take on the layers of meaning behind the political and darkly comic pieces, her disdain for the critics who demonize the work without often even experiencing it, and a look at the complexities of monetizing public art. A really interesting read, accompanied with lots of fantastic images along the way.

[Amanda Karsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great analysis and explanations of everyone’s favourite street artist. Lots of great images are looked at, many that I have not seen before.

[Alana Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to get lost in for a couple hours. If I was wanting to know more indepth about Banksy's work, I would have enjoyed the book even more. However, I had only a vague knowledge of Banksy art and found as an introduction this book was more than I needed. I loved all the images and the stories behind them. I did enjoy the effort put into compiling this book.

[Joni Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow so much I didn’t know about this artist! I’ve always enjoyed or at least appreciated his work but this book took it to a whole other level. Very interesting!

[Keen Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It’s people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages. As a precaution to ever committing major acts of evil it is our solemn duty never to do what we’re told, this is the only way we can be sure.”

This takes a slightly different approach to Banksy and his work than most other books out there. Diehl does a good job of highlighting much of the snobbery, contradictions and double standards which remain deeply entrenched within the art world. This isn’t just about Banksy, and often she will use him as a jumping off point to something else, equally compelling, which works pretty well. This was nicely written and Diehl makes for good company and a fine guide through much of Banksy's career.

“The so-called art world, now better described as the “art market,” is all about review and judgement-by those who stand to profit from it. Dominated by the auction houses, mega-galleries, billionaire collectors, art fair industry, and art school system, art has become just another part of the corporate economy, and the perfect vehicle for money laundering and insider trading”

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banksy: Completed is, of course, about Banksy the provocative street artist.

The book attempts, rather well I think, to explain how art critics view art differently from the public. And critics have almost unanimously hated Banksy from the start. It also investigates the nature of art itself. Can graffiti even be viewed as art?

Overall, I enjoyed reading about Banksy’s exploits, artwork and mindset from a different perspective. It taught me things that were not in Banksy’s documentary film. Plus, it made me think about some of the underlying themes in Banksy’s work well after I had finished the book. 4 stars for Banksy: Completed!

Thanks to MIT Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Nichola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this well researched pondering of some of Banksy's work and the way it entwines with its location, his critics, and art markets. I especially liked the chapters about a specific piece he created in Folkestone as part of an art conference challenge and the ins and out of how the work was received, handled, marketed, and eventually dispositioned. Maybe the author (or this reader) is creating their own unintentional meaning by looking at levels of depth Banksy creates in his provoking and questioning, but isn't that itself meaningful? Will probably continue to think about this.

[Jordan Wolken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digestible read that makes you appreciate Bansky for who he and what his art represents. For those interested in graffiti, street art, political and social expression, turn to this book for a deeper understanding of (arguably) the greatest artist alive. An art critic herself, Diehl writes this book out of pure fascination and excitement, inviting readers into a world where art is intended for the public as an agent of social change, rather than locked away for wealthy collectors.

[JCS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the many works of Banksy, the graffiti artist. The author doesn’t dwell on the true identity of the artist, but instead focuses on the works he has created, the art critics response, the public response and where these works fit in to the art world. A really interesting book, so much more to this artist than I realised. Thank you to Carol Diehl, NetGalley and MIT Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kay-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very in-depth look into the person behind the artist. Intriguing and beautifully laid out.

In this day and age, it is impressive that an artist has achieved such renown while maintaining his anonymity!

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook

I listened to this for a summer reading challenge. It was okay. Not the best book, but did learn some about Banksy.

[BlueTheo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly just a good book and a good read. Good balance of political commentary & art in one, and gives so much context and history of Banksy's works. Cool.