Banksy Essay Example
Megan McGehee
Teresa Jimenez
PWR-1
January 20, 2013
Rhetorical Analysis: Banksy
Religious imagery is something that can be found in artwork all through the centuries. An anonymous world-renowned graffiti artist who goes by ‘Banksy’ places traditional paintings in public places altered to send an iconoclastic message about society and government. In this image he depicts a traditional figure of Jesus dying on the cross, but in his hands can be found shopping bags full of presents and candy. Jesus, an iconic figure in religious history, has been turned into a puppet to fit the mold of our consumer driven society. The rhetor presents an iconoclastic view that the integral commemoration of Jesus’ death and the religious aspects people describe themselves to be living by have been lost to Santa Clause’ presents and the Easter Bunny’s candy. By associating the image of Jesus’ death with shopping and consumer goods, Banksy is forcing the audience to re-evaluate what society values as most important. Banksy wants to remind his audience of the reasons Jesus died on the cross, and make people contemplate if they are living the way God has intended. The rhetor is iconoclastic because he allows the audience to formulate their own opinions by simply encouraging thought provoking questions through his artwork. Banksy utilizes his work as a catalyst for societal and political change.
The anonymous character known to the world as Banksy, a London based street artist, is known for reworking traditional pieces of art to send a message to both authority figures and society in whole. The ethos of the rhetor is important because he is highly regarded for many reasons. Banksy is unwavering in his mission, and refuses acknowledgement and profit from his work. Thus further solidifying that he wants no gains monetarily or in celebrity distinction. This rhetor has the authority to make this particular argument in the eyes of the public because he himself has not fallen openly
Teresa Jimenez
PWR-1
January 20, 2013
Rhetorical Analysis: Banksy
Religious imagery is something that can be found in artwork all through the centuries. An anonymous world-renowned graffiti artist who goes by ‘Banksy’ places traditional paintings in public places altered to send an iconoclastic message about society and government. In this image he depicts a traditional figure of Jesus dying on the cross, but in his hands can be found shopping bags full of presents and candy. Jesus, an iconic figure in religious history, has been turned into a puppet to fit the mold of our consumer driven society. The rhetor presents an iconoclastic view that the integral commemoration of Jesus’ death and the religious aspects people describe themselves to be living by have been lost to Santa Clause’ presents and the Easter Bunny’s candy. By associating the image of Jesus’ death with shopping and consumer goods, Banksy is forcing the audience to re-evaluate what society values as most important. Banksy wants to remind his audience of the reasons Jesus died on the cross, and make people contemplate if they are living the way God has intended. The rhetor is iconoclastic because he allows the audience to formulate their own opinions by simply encouraging thought provoking questions through his artwork. Banksy utilizes his work as a catalyst for societal and political change.
The anonymous character known to the world as Banksy, a London based street artist, is known for reworking traditional pieces of art to send a message to both authority figures and society in whole. The ethos of the rhetor is important because he is highly regarded for many reasons. Banksy is unwavering in his mission, and refuses acknowledgement and profit from his work. Thus further solidifying that he wants no gains monetarily or in celebrity distinction. This rhetor has the authority to make this particular argument in the eyes of the public because he himself has not fallen openly