Banksy and the Israeli Wall

Graffiti artist, Robert Banks or otherwise know as Banksy is from Bristol, UK.  His work is aesthetically intriguing and thought provoking. Banksy’s work traditional addresses the current issues of the community to which he is working in. One of the best examples of this is seen on Israel’s West Bank barrier. There are nine works, which were done by Banksy; they are displayed on the Palestine side of the barrier. The works address several different scenes. One depicts  a sitting room in a house with a window that looks out on to a mountain scene.  Banksy, was quoted as saying that the wall should be, “the ultimate activity holiday destination for graffiti writers.” 

Israel officials say the West Bank barrier, which is a about a 400 mile long barricade of cement walls and barbwire, is absolutely necessary for the safety and security of the Israeli people. The images depicted on the West Bank Barrier reflect the concerns and views of many of the residents in the nearby communities. In an article by NPR, a Palestinian painter and sculptor by the name of Souleiman Mansour mentions that this wall is “heaven” for the contemporary artists because they encounter this type of subject matter all the time in their work.           

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4748063.stm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17497631

Keith Haring and "The Subway Drawings"

 Keith Haring was born in Reading Pennsylvania on May 4^th 1958.  Haring’s father played a crucial role in influencing his interest in drawing and art. Haring had an affinity for cartoon drawings produced from studios like Walt Disney. As an adult Haring attempted to pursue a career in graphic art but a move to New York City sparked his interest in art and the community. During the late 1970’s and 80’s, New York experienced a movement in which art and music made their way out from the private sphere like galleries and museums, and into the streets and walls of buildings. In 1980, Haring developed an effective way to make use of the empty advertising spaces in the subway terminals of New York City. He drew on these empty spaces with white chalk; the images all contained the same fluid lines and movement but were of different subjects. The works of artists like Jean Debuffet, William Burroughs and Brion Gysin inspired haring. Harding’s images were solely about the simplicity of line and it’s motions. The subjects of there images ranged from dolphins to flying saucers to barking dogs.

 His ultimate goal was to create a true form of public art.  Haring’s subway drawings were definitely the most recognized works of his career, he trade marked his very unique imagery and developed a relationship with the general public while doing so. Haring remains one of the most recognized contemporary artists.

http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/NEWS/9707/03/keith.haring

http://www.haring.com/about_haring/bio/index.html

Harvey Kurtzman and MAD

Harvey Kurtzman is one of the most notable Comic Book artists of our time. Kurtzman was the founding editor for the comics like MAD and Help!. He was described by the New York Times as being “one of the most important post-war figures of America.” Kurtzman was born in New York City in 1924. As a child, he expressed an avid interest in Comic Books and drawing. At 18, Kurtzman broke in to the professional industry of Comic Books. Lou Ferstadt, the producer of comics like Prize and ACE, hired Kurtzman as an apprentice. Kurtzman‘s first task was to simply fill in black spaces of covers. He took a leave of absence, as many did, to serve in the military during World War II.  After his return, the comic book industry had take a very drastic change, he found himself on a constant search for work. In 1952, Kurtzman teamed up with EC comics to publish the first issue of MAD.  Some of the most well-known comic artists worked in collaboration with Kurtzman. The comic or magazine rather, targeted a more adult audience and contained much of Kurtzman’s humor and personality. The magazine became well known for its parodying of popular culture and current events. Everything from entertainment to politics and political figures were mentioned and harped upon in the publication.  Kurtzman continued to work on several side projects up until his death in 1993, including one of the most infamous comic strips, Little Annie Fanny.  Kurtzman has left a legacy for being one of the most influential comic book writers of the 20^th century.  MAD magazine is still widely distributed and recognized. 

 www.lambiek.net/artisits/k/kurtzman.html

www.bpib.com/illustra2/kurtzman.html