exit through the giftshop

We were given a weekend assignment to watch the controversial documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop a few weeks ago. The assignment also asked for us to write a review with our thoughts about the film. The film was created by the world famous street artist, Banksy, who took footage from an unknown film maker and complied the important footage into this film.

 from coolhunting.com

Here are some excerpts from my art journal entry:

"It was really interesting to see the life of street artists documented and shown because you walk by art on the street all over the U.S., Europe, and world but no clue how exactly they get there."

"I don't think any of Mr. Brain Wash was anything unique or new. He didn't try something new or change something already done dramatically. He just used the same styles other people use, same images, etc."

"I think it's also a difficult subject because he is selling "his" pieces for thousands of dollars when he didn't really do the art. He isn't the graphic artist that create that graphic. He isn't a sculptor creating the wall of televisions. He just told people what to make and put his name on it. I feel like the artists he hired used their own style in the artwork... so do they get credit? Adequate payment? Notoriety?"

Some more thoughts after a few weeks after watching the movie:

I think it was biased and showed Terry in a negative way but I think they made the film with a sarcastic and playful tone. The film showed the rise of street art and one man's journey from unknown film maker and family man to a popular and selling artist. I liked seeing the behind the scenes footage, from going on top of buildings at 3 AM to the Disneyland incident. The Disneyland incident was one of the craziest parts of the movie because I had never heard of this happening and I didn't know how intense security is at the famous park.

Everyone should see this movie, especially if you are into street art at all. It is a growing movement and becoming somewhat a fine art. Many street artists are now seen in galleries and museums all over the world. Hope you all get a chance to see it!