Banksy Hits L.A.

Well this is well-timed with my morning post today. Banksy never sleeps, even while waiting for the Oscars. His movie,  "Exit Through the Gift Shop" is nominated for "best documentary." And even though he has already caused some controversy with the Oscars denial of his proposition, should he win, to accept the award in a mask (he fervently protects his real identity), he has managed to "decorate" some LA billboards with some unsavory images of Mickey Mouse and other cartoons.

While i have always enjoyed seeing Banksy's work and love a good bit of well-done graffiti, I was a little let down by his recent image (at least the one on view in the article). What has always been great about Banksy, whether you agree with his message or not, has been his ability to make his statement in a creative and unseen way. Whether it is an elaborate stencil or a huge, on-site sculpture, the work catches you off guard, and demands that you investigate. In the image included, however, there is a lack of the sophistication that makes this image less meaningful or memorable to. Instead of the usual subtle sarcasm, this piece yells, even screams its message against vanity and greed. Instead of seeing something that helps me "realize" the issue being commented upon and being approached in a new and interesting way, this piece approaches like a fifth-grade protest sign that I shrug off easily.

Maybe he doesn't think the colonies can understand the sophisticated work from his usual stomping grounds of London (wouldn't blame him), but I would have liked to see something a little less Dane Cook and a LOT more Mitch Hedberg, especially on such a huge stage.

But he's way more famous than me, so maybe he knows best. Check it out for yourself and look him up if you want to see some of his other work.

image taken from msnbc.com
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41634584/ns/today-entertainment/