https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/15-life-lessons-from-banksy-street-art-that-will-leave-you-lost-for-words.html
By displaying art in crowded cities across the world, Banksy puts social and political issues in our face. These pieces force us to stop and think—something that we often avoid doing in our day-to-day lives.
This ominous image of a hitchhiking Charles Manson stands outside of
London’s Archway Tube Station. Could it be a reference to the pervasive
influence of evil in society? An ominous warning that evil can be
lurking on any corner? Perhaps we should be more restrictive of what
kinds of influences we allow in our everyday lives.
Those who pass this piece in Los Angeles may wonder if they’re being
warned, mocked, or simply entertained by a peculiar caveman with his
fast food combo meal. Perhaps this is simply a subtle reminder of our
human nature—and of those things that we’ve adopted that aren’t so natural.
As crazy as it is to see a caveman carrying a fast food tray, is it really that much crazier for us to consume grease-soaked, nutritionless meals?
Have you ever been frustrated by a parent who said, “Do as I say, not
as I do?” Maybe Banksy was too, before allegedly creating this piece in
the London Borough of Hounslow. This piece brings to light the
contradiction between what human behaviors are expected, and how people
actually behave. We’re often told to be good by some of the very people
that are doing just the opposite. Actions speak louder than words, so
make sure your actions don’t contradict your words.
This rather humorous scene is one of Banksy’s most famous, painted
in Bristol, England. Along with the idea that we’ve all got some things
to hide, this piece seems to warn us that things aren’t always what they
seem. Don’t blindly believe everything you’re told, as someone’s
dishonesty may be creating an illusion.
This message is clearly etched in the wall beside this London piece.
While the image may symbolize loss, the text clearly tells us that no
amount of loss can eliminate hope. This is a gentle reminder to remain
positive instead of wallowing in our losses.
This
San Francisco piece demands that we examine ourselves—particularly, how
we solve problems. Instead of resorting to violence and immature
tantrums, we should aim to be reasonable and fair. This is one of many
Banksy pieces that pushes us to question our government and the
decisions made by our leaders.
This dismal scene, painted outside of a New York City strip club seems
to highlight the ugly truth about society’s sex obsession: it never
leads to fulfillment—at least not for this poor guy. Banksy posted the
phrase, “waiting in vain” along with a picture of the stencil on his
website, suggesting he’s in the wrong place if he wants to find genuine
love.
This piece, outside of a Brighton pub, blatantly displays two uniformed
male officers kissing. Banksy seems to be asking us, “Who’s to say what
is appropriate?” Whether “conventional” or not, love is love. This
piece suggests that love should be accepted publicly and displayed
freely, no matter what kind it is.
Let’s face it: most humans need a lesson in humility. We’ve caused
tragedies for other species, the environment, and other humans without
even recognizing any wrong-doing. Banksy reportedly painted several of
these pieces, reminiscent of the popular anecdote: don’t step on the
little people to get to the top, as you may need them on your way back
down. More importantly, don’t step on people because it’s wrong.
Practice humility, and you will naturally earn respect without having to
mistreat anyone.
This London piece of a protester throwing a bouquet of flowers may
be Banksy’s most famous piece thus far. The remarkable idea behind this
piece is the use of unexpected weapons. The protester fights not with a
grenade or other harmful device, but with an innocent bouquet of
flowers. This suggests we may be able to get more done by negotiating
kindly, not malevolently.
This New York piece illustrates self-expression with a graffiti artist
puking flowers. The caption tied to this piece is “better out than in,”
indicating that if you have something to express, it’s best to let it
out rather than hold it in. We certainly wouldn’t hold it in if we felt
the need to puke. So why hold in our emotional needs, like the need to
express and create? Whether physical or emotional, some things need to
be let out, lest we be left with a sour stomach.
One of Banksy’s most recent pieces, entitled Mobile Lovers, was also
done in Bristol. This not-so-subtle reference to modern technology warns
us to be conscious of what we’re spending our time and attention on.
Nothing that exists on a screen in more important than what is happening
right in front of us. By being constantly preoccupied, we could miss
out on meaningful opportunities and connection with others.
Another New York piece of Banksy’s casually knocks us down to reality.
As humans, we like to believe that our lives have significance and that
we’re unique from everyone else. This piece can be viewed as something
that knocks us down a peg, but in a good way. Everyone lives the same
struggle. Life is finite, and that’s okay. Don’t do things in order to
be remembered; do things in order to be a good person.
This Boston piece, one of Banksy’s most famous, takes yet another swing
in the name of disappointed idealism. Many of us feel forced to give up
our dreams, never pursuing them due to financial burdens or other
hardships. This may serve as a wake up call for those of us who’ve been
asleep. Ultimately, we should follow our dreams, regardless of outside
discouragement.
Perhaps the most obvious and adorably heartwarming translation of this
San Francisco piece is “listen to your heart.” While harsh realities and
unforgiving satire are typically Banksy’s style, a bit of optimism
seeps through here. This listening doctor serves as an inspiring
reminder. Are we living up to the request?
Featured photo credit: Gary Soup via images.search.yahoo.com
15 Life Lessons From Banksy Street Art That Will Leave You Lost For Words
Using striking stencil art and profound imagery, Banksy has captured the interest of art lovers, activists, and graffiti artists around the globe. His mysterious identity (and refusal to use social media accounts) has only sparked more intrigue, with media outlets and fans prying to earn a peek into his life. But why use graffiti as a means to communicate?
By displaying art in crowded cities across the world, Banksy puts social and political issues in our face. These pieces force us to stop and think—something that we often avoid doing in our day-to-day lives.
15. Set moral boundaries.
14. Remember where you came from.
Those who pass this piece in Los Angeles may wonder if they’re being
warned, mocked, or simply entertained by a peculiar caveman with his
fast food combo meal. Perhaps this is simply a subtle reminder of our
human nature—and of those things that we’ve adopted that aren’t so natural.As crazy as it is to see a caveman carrying a fast food tray, is it really that much crazier for us to consume grease-soaked, nutritionless meals?
13. Let your actions match your words.
12. Everyone’s got skeletons.
11. There is always hope.
10. Strive for peace.
9. Love is not lust.
8. All love is valid.
7. Be humble.
6. Utilize kindness.
5. Express yourself.
4. Live in the moment.
3. Don’t be so full of yourself.
2. Don’t let others deter you.
1. Listen to your heart.
Featured photo credit: Gary Soup via images.search.yahoo.com
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