If you feel dirty, insignificant or unloved, then rats are a good role model. They exist without permission, they have no respect for the hierarchy of society, and they have sex 50 times a day.
BanksyRead
But there's no way round it-commercial success is a mark of failure for a graffiti artist. We're not supposed to be embraced in that way. When you look at how society rewards so many of the wrong people, it's hard not to view financial reimbursement as a badge of self-serving mediocrity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Commercial success in graffiti undermines its authenticity and purpose.
Banksy's quote reflects the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success, suggesting that when graffiti artists gain financial recognition, it often conflicts with the rebellious, anti-establishment spirit of their art. He critiques society's tendency to reward what he sees as mediocrity, implying that true art should challenge norms rather than conform to them for monetary gain.
Themes
GraffitiCommercial SuccessArtistic IntegritySocietyRebellion
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on street art, one could use Banksy's quote to emphasize the importance of staying true to artistic purpose over commercial gain.
More from Banksy
All quotes →T.V. has made going to the theatre seem pointless, photography has pretty much killed painting but graffiti has remained gloriously unspoilt by progress.
BanksyRead
I originally set out to try and save the world, but now I'm not sure I like it enough.
BanksyRead
Graffiti ultimately wins out over proper art because it becomes part of your city, it' s a tool; "I'll meet you in that pub, you know, the one opposite that wall with a picture of a monkey holding a chainsaw". I mean, how much more useful can a painting be than that?
BanksyRead
Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a f**king sharp knife to it.
BanksyRead
Gaza is often described as 'the world's largest open air prison' because no-one is allowed to enter or leave. But that seems a bit unfair to prisons - they don’t have their electricity and drinking water cut off randomly almost every day.
BanksyRead
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