Artwork Description
Art in Action- Stealing Banksy Archival Pigment Fine Art Limited Edition Print on 290gsm Moab Entrada Paper by Artist Jeff Gillette Urban Pop Art.
2022 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 100 Archival Pigment Print on 290gsm Moab Entrada Fine Art Paper Artwork Size 16x20
"Art in Action- Stealing Banksy" by Jeff Gillette is a provocative limited edition print that confronts the viewer with a powerful commentary on the commodification and ownership of street art. This 2022 archival pigment print on 290gsm Moab Entrada fine art paper, in a limited series of 100 signed and numbered editions, presents a stark black, white, and red composition that is sizeable at 16x20 inches, designed to make a statement wherever it is displayed. Gillette's work is often a satirical exploration of the intersection between global pop culture and the gritty realities of urban environments, and "Stealing Banksy" is no exception. The piece showcases a stenciled image reminiscent of the iconic style associated with the elusive street artist Banksy, featuring figures removing a wall piece, with the word "MINE" prominently displayed. The stark monochrome palette punctuated by the bright red text draws the eye immediately to the central message of the piece – the controversial practice of physically removing street art from its original public location to private collections for profit. In this print, Gillette plays with the layered concepts of art, ownership, and value. By depicting the act of 'stealing' Banksy, the artist raises questions about the nature of street art: is it meant to be a freely accessible art form or a commodity for the highest bidder? The image acts as a stark reminder of the tensions between art as a public treasure and as a private luxury. For collectors, "Art in Action- Stealing Banksy" is not just a piece of fine art; it's a piece of the ongoing dialogue about the place of street art in society. The limited nature of the print run reflects the exclusivity that comes with the territory of fine art, yet the subject matter critiques this exclusivity. Gillette's signature on each print adds a layer of authenticity and a direct connection to the artist, further entwining the themes of authorship and ownership inherent in the piece's narrative. Through "Stealing Banksy," Jeff Gillette invites us to reflect on the paradoxes of street art's ephemeral nature and its simultaneous status as a coveted commodity in the art market.
