Big Man on Campus: Banksy

Ever since some dude first scrawled a picture of a cow on the wall of his man-cave, art has been one of the most important characteristics separating us humans from beasts.  In the last hundred or so years, the definition of the word "art" has become increasingly vague and unstable.  Expressionism and Cubism were hated, then tolerated, then loved, and Dadaism and Surrealism followed a similar course.  Eventually the intellectuals noticed the pattern and began appreciating and encouraging new art forms, encouraging rapid expansion of what can be called art.  In the present day, each person has a different idea of what is and isn't modern art.  Sometimes the looseness of the word encourages artists to trend toward the silly.

Not everybody can be Picasso.

Fortunately, it can also trend toward the philosophically potent and the legitimately awesome.  One of the coolest mediums to gain momentum in recent years is street art.  Street art refers to any form of visual art that is displayed in a public place (i.e. the streets), and the most widespread and influential form of street art is spray painted graffiti.  One of the premier street artists today calls himself Banksy and he is really really cool.

He also draws pictures of people peeing on walls

Banksy is the pseudonym of an unknown British artist, film director, and activist who is at the forefront of street art activism.  He's left his mark on countless major cities, from London to Jerusalem to New Orleans, (even visiting several major museums)  frequently conveying a political message or idea, and always dripping with his own distinct style.  He's been active since the early 90's and has received a lot of publicity, both for his work and the mystery surrounding his identity.  Even throughout his Academy Award-nominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, he remains completely anonymous.  He denies the claims that he is British citizen Robin Gunningham, retaining the shroud that protects his identity both from overzealous fans and from the numerous government officials who have labeled his work illegal vandalism.

Best hide and go seek player ever!

As an artist, his anonymity has allowed him to directly criticize everyone from the U.S. government to the entire Israeli-Palestinian conflict without jeopardizing his life or his objectivity.  He has leaped to world wide renown, pulling in as much as a million bucks at a time for his art, and propagating his philosophy and redefining art to the point that graffiti may soon be protected as art by rule of law.  This man went from a vandal constantly evading the cops to a respected artist.  He disagreed with the state of society, and society disagreed with him; but he won.  Through excellence, intrigue, and creativity, Banksy led an artistic revolution that has drawn thousands into the conversation about what defines art, and all without revealing his real identity.  His unique accomplishments and awesome attitude have earned him the title of today's Big Man on Campus.