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By (author) Grovier Kelly

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A Spectator Book of the Year

”Grovier’s book reframes [Banksy’s] works in a new light. Inextricably linked to Da Vinci, Monet and Van Gogh, Banksy not only makes art but reinvigorates it” Daily Mail

A new take on the history of art – from da Vinci to Warhol – asreinterpreted and ultimately reinforced by the internationalphenomenon that is Banksy

Few would dispute that Banksy is the most famous urban artist in the world today. That he isalso one of the most perceptive art historians of our age might come as a surprise to many.But the myriad memorable works he has created over the past thirty years constitute anaudacious commentary on the history of image-making – a captivating critique waiting to bepieced together.

Armed with little more than stencils, spray paint and an anonymizing cloak of after-hoursdarkness, Banksy has forged an alluring identity for himself as an incorrigible prankster whodoesn’t embrace tradition but shreds it. What actually illuminates Banksy’s audacious murals,impromptu urban sculptures and vandalized paintings, however, is a profound understandingof the story of art. Banksy recasts masterpieces as powerful comments on contemporaryissues: climate change, consumerism and the struggle for peace, and reveals these works tobe surprisingly elastic, resilient and relevant.

In this fully illustrated and entertaining exploration, bestselling author Kelly Grovier traces arthistory through Banksy’s lens, presenting many of his most recognizable works: from his drolllampooning of the Lascaux cave paintings to his reinvention of Monet’s enchanting water-lilypond, a reboot of Géricault’s tragic gut-wrenching vision to Vermeer’s girl now instilled withstreet cred, everyone’s genius is grist for his unmerciful mill. Far from being diminished intheir significance, however, the works that Banksy ruthlessly parodies are ultimatelyrefurbished by the ordeal. Banksy’s iconoclastic works force us to rethink our affection for,and appreciation of, great works of art that define cultural history.

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”Grovier’s book reframes [Banksy’s] works in a new light. Inextricably linked to Da Vinci, Monet and Van Gogh, Banksy not only makes art but reinvigorates it” – Daily Mail

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”This is a serious critical take on the artist”s guerrilla approach to art and art history. It just turns out that Grovier has the same iconoclastic approach to the history of art as Banksy him (or her) self. And the copious illustrations will make you chuckle. Buy it for anyone who didn”t go see the Banksy exhibition in Glasgow last year. Or did, for that matter” – The Herald, The Best Art Books for Christmas

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”A refreshing look at art history by showing how Banksy has plumbed its depths” – Creative Review

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”Insightful” – Kirkus Reviews

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”Playful and provocative” – Literary Review

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”By comparing Banksy’s works to those from art history, this book shines a new light on the street artist’s past projects and how much he refers to art historical masterpieces. By drawing comparisons with prehistoric cave art through to the likes of Salvador Dali and Damien Hirst, it’s a new take on Banksy” – FAD

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”Captivating” – Publishers Weekly

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”This is Kelly Grovier, so pin back your shell-likes and pay attention … Suddenly, there’s a lot more to [Banksy] than just stencils and spray cans” – Artbookreview

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”From his views on art and creativity to his take on digital life, this fascinating book gives an overview of the artist”s thoughts and opinions” – Good Housekeeping

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