Authenticity via Pest Control

Banksy’s views on graffiti often highlight its role as an accessible, anti-establishment, and "honest" art form, frequently arguing that it is a legitimate tool for public expression rather than mere vandalism. He famously noted that the only problem with graffiti is the lack of it, while emphasizing its ephemeral, disruptive nature.

Here are some of Banksy's notable quotes on graffiti:

On Honesty: "Writing graffiti is about the most honest way you can be an artist. It takes no money to do it, you don't need an education to understand it and there's no admission fee."

On the "Problem": "They say there is a graffiti problem. The only problem with graffiti is that there isn't enough of it."

On Legitimacy: "People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly."

On Power: "Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing."

On Temporality: "Graffiti's always been a temporary art form. You make your mark and then they scrub it off."

On Function: "All graffiti is low-level dissent, but stencils have an extra history. They've been used to start revolutions and to stop wars."

On Action: "Speak softly, but carry a big can of paint."

On Utopia: "Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal, a city where everybody could draw wherever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases."

On Vandalism: "A wall is a very big weapon. It's one of the nastiest things you can hit someone with."

Picture @casperdouglasphotography