Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop

Exit Through the Gift Shop, a film by Banksy (2010)

A few days ago I was finally able to see the street artist Banksy's newest venture, his film Exit Through The Gift Shop. A few weeks ago I posted an article detailing some of the fabulous movies that have recently come out about art, the art world and the marketing hype that so often surrounds this industry. However, if you really want to understand how hype can build an artist literally from the ground up in about a week, you need to see this movie.

Beginning with a bit of a history lesson on street art and the graffiti artists who made it the huge phenomenon it is today. If you are a street art aficionado this will be a bit of a review, but what a review! Actual footage of the heroes of the movement working their craft on buildings, billboards, roads, and anywhere else with a flat surface (sometimes it doesn't even have to be flat!) is a stunning example of unprecedented access to a very secretive society. Following the beginning of Mister Brainwash, aka Thierry Guetta, a crazy man on a mission with a camera. Though Guetta is initially quite likable in his own way, he becomes a bit of an enigma you don't really want to understand. The movie follows his journey into the secret world of street artists and their daily battles with police.

Featuring the biggest names in the movement, this movie is absolutely fantastic and I have no problem buying into Banksy's latest statement. Though in his own words this movie began as a documentary about him and was turned back on the videographer when he became a more interesting, or at least scintillating, topic. The movie is rife with insane footage of the artists doing their thing, but it also has poignant moments of suspense when what was supposed to be a quick work turns into a fiasco.

The ultimate subject of the movie is Guetta and his made dash for fame that ends the tale is a insightful critique on the art world and its susceptibility to hype, reputation, and need to be ahead of the crowd.

Two thumbs up, see this movie.

Exhibition Alert: Richard Feigen, New York

Richard L. Feigen & Co., “Richard Wilson and the British Arcadia” through June 25.

I am posting a review today from the New York Times of a wonderful exhibition going on right now at Richard L. Feigen & Co. in New York. A good friend of mine, Ann Guite, put the show together and it was really such an educational and moving exhibition that showed one of the most unrecognized pioneers in early modern painting. Not the most exciting artist or the most visually appealing at all times, Richard Wilson was an innovative and creative artist who changed the course of British painting in the 18th-century. It is definitely worth stopping in!

June 4, 2010
The Mystery of the British Landscape Master
By SOUREN MELIKIAN

Richard Wilson and the British Arcadia. Richard L. Feigen & Co.Through June 25.

Museum Mile Festival in New York, TONIGHT!

Museum Mile Festival Going on Tonight!

Calling all New York readers!! Today is the Museum Mile Festival! An amazing opportunity to spend the evening hanging around some of the best art in the world while enjoying a street festival on some of New York's most beautiful streets!
Details below, I am so jealous of anyone that is in the vicinity and I hope you will all go and write me about your fabulous time!

Have fun! I'm wishing I was there right now. Click on the title of the post to be taken to the Festival's website!


MUSEUM MILE FESTIVAL
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010, 6pm - 9pm
Featuring:

Museums Participating:
Nine Museums. One Destination.

* El Museo del Barrio
* Museum of the City of New York
* The Jewish Museum
* Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
* National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts
* Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
* Neue Galerie New York
* Goethe-Institut/German Cultural Center
* The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Festival Includes:
* FREE ACCESS 6pm - 9pm to all the museums along the mile
* 23 car-free blocks
5th Avenue between 82nd & 105th
* Live bands
* Entertainment
* Art-in-the street
activities for kids

"One day a year, for the past 31 years, nine of the country's finest museums, all ones that call Fifth Avenue home, collectively open their doors from 6pm - 9pm for free to New Yorkers and visitors for a mile-long block party and visual art celebration. This traffic-free, music- and art-filled celebration fills the street and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th street, the mile now officially designated as Museum Mile. Over 50,000 visitors attend the festival annually.

In celebration of their 40th anniversary, El Museo del Barrio will kick-off the Festival at 5:45pm on the steps of their museum at 104th street!

Plus, follow the mile with street muralist De La Vega – grab a piece of chalk and make your mark!"