Member Reviews
Interesting glimpse into Banksy and his art. Prior to reading this book, I hadn't been aware of much about the artist other than that he is mysterious. The book contains photos of many of his pieces, but I had thought it was going to be more of a coffee table book of his art.
4.5 Stars
Banksy continues to fascinate due to remaining anonymous as his art pops up in random public places and this book doesn't set out to reveal him in any way, more give some research in to the reproductions of some of his most controversial and recognisable work.
From his beginnings as a Bristol graffiti artist, his artwork is now sold at auction for seven-figure sums and hangs on celebrities walls. It tries to help understand this labelled 'art rebel" who's work has constantly remained relevant and popular.
A fascinating peak in to a hidden life for any art/graffiti fan.
My thanks go to the publisher, author and Netgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.
I enjoyed this title as an adult. Having a little background knowledge helped and I enjoyed reading this. I'm not so sure my students will appreciate this read as much as I did.
This unofficial book was truly amazing. I loved every single minute of it. I learnt so much by reading it. I found it both very interesting and I was absolutely fascinating. The information in this book brilliant and it was very obvious it was well researched. The flow of this book was brilliant, I loved how it was separated into each topic. The book is packed full of amazing photos of his magnificent works. My favourite bit had to be the story of what people had to go through to get a piece of his work. I loved reading about how his work has gone up in price over the years. I found it wonderful how many times Banksy has help charities and other budding artists. Also how other street arts didn't like his work and often amended or sprayed over it. I couldn't put this book down. I just hope Banksy's name is never exposed as it will spoil all the mystery and interest behind his hidden identity.
I really can't recommend this book enough this book deserved a 6th star!
So much praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating a truly wonderful depiction of who Banksy really is. I loved this book so much I'm certain you will love it too.
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A really interesting book. I've heard of Banksy, have friends who really love his work, and I've seen a couple of his works in person - I wasn't sure if I'd get on with this book, but I really enjoyed it. Detailed and well thought out. I learnt loads!
This is a very in-depth look at Bansky and his work. I learned a lot and enjoyed the art.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
This is definitely about the artist and not the art. think in depth profile of the man and how the career progression has evolved and impacted the art of Banksy.
Certainly a very interesting read for any fan of Banksy but also for those intrigued by this art world element in definitely gives some insight into the development of this particular artist and his art
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!!
If you are a BANKSY fan this is a BOOK to read.It is an enthralling look into his classic way of life,and,includes many stories of the other artists he has worked with.
Banksy: The Man behind the Wall by Will Ellsworth-Jones was a wonderful book, I loved it. But, then I love anything from Banksy, so if you love Banksy work, this is a book for you. You will find it beautifully illustrated throughout with lots of information about the famous artist and his wonderful work.
Banksy The man behind the wall would look great on your coffee table displayed for others to look at.
But, who is Banksy? This is the book for you to find out more about him!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-White lion publishing for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group White Lion for a temporary digital review copy via NetGalley of ‘Banksy: The Man behind the Wall: Revised and Illustrated Edition’ by Will Ellsworth-Jones in exchange for an honest review. This new edition was released in October 2021.
It is well known that Banksy chooses to keep his identity secret and Ellsworth-Jones states on his opening page that “this book does not attempt to unmask him”. I was pleased that the author respected the artist’s wish for privacy.
Rather it focuses upon Banksy’s career from his beginnings as a Bristol graffiti artist in the 1990s to his current status as a world celebrated artist whose works are sold at auction for seven-figure sums. The text is accompanied by plenty of illustrations.
Before reading this I didn’t have much knowledge about Banksy and I found it a fascinating account both about Banksy, other street artists, and the changing perception of graffiti and street art.
I was especially struck by the humour inherent in his art and its subversive nature.
An exciting look at a mysterious and complicated man? No matter who he is, his art speaks volumes, and the mystery keeps people interested enough that they have stayed interested for all these years—protest art with a humorist twist.
Very informative book. I learnt so much and accompanied with lovely images this was a great book for the weekend. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A decent primer for someone not in the know, who needs a place to start. As big a phenom Banksy is, he and his art should be widely studied.
A wonderful book delving into the mystery of Banksy. I found it informative and thought-provoking. I would definitely recommend this book for a little insight into a very private person. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Before reading this book I had heard of Banksy and his little rats. Two of my friends have tatoos of his work (one has the little girl, and his wife has the red balloon. So cute) but I didn't really know anything about him. This was an interesting exploration and explanation of Banksy's art and the impact he has had on the wider art world. Will Ellsworth-Jones is clearly a fan, but gives a balanced view within those constraints. While the book isn't a coffee table book of Banky's art-works the illustrations do their job, illustrating the text. I recommend for a good grounding on an important figure in both street and more conventional art.
Interesting as I didnt know much about Banksy and this author gave me an insight. Fully recommend.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
Banksy: The Man behind the Wall illustrates the story of Banksy’s life and career, giving some insight into the controversy of his art. From his beginnings in Bristol as a Graffiti artist to the cultural phenomenon he has become. While it is not a book detailing his art pieces there are plenty of illustrations showing a variety of them. It is a book full of intrigue and interest detailing the story of an icon of our time. A great read.
Miami Art Week 2021 and Banksy's 'Charlie Brown' sells for $4 million. How did it come to this? Will Ellsworth-Jones has done a lot of digging in order to present a profile of Banksy's journey from cheeky street artist evading authorities to cheeky yet respectable creative he is today. It might be described as a holistic approach to an unapproachable subject. There is formidable loyalty from those who have known him for a long time and contractual loyalty from those who have worked with him. This protects his famous anonymity which is one factor in promoting the Banksy brand. As the author examines Banksy's rise in the current art market it becomes clear that the layered cleverness isn't confined to the art, but is also evident in the presentation, including the anonymity. Ellsworth-Jones also explores influences, conflicts, how Banksy's organization exerts control, and the other people who make big bucks off his art. The book is really informative and interesting and - yeah - there is a generous amount of Banksy's art.
I enjoyed this, there was a lot I didn’t know about Banksy.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
An interesting book about the evolution of Banksy and how their art evolved.
There's a lot of theories, reflections on art&politics, and food for thought.
I appreciated it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine