Banksy is the enigmatic artist whose minimalist work is immediately recognizable to some adults. It’s witty, smart, funny when it wants to be, and sends a message if that’s the intent of the piece. Banksy has inspired LEGO books on his art and always remains in the shadows, an unknown artist who uses previously naked buildings as his canvas. Banksy Graffitied Walls and Wasn’t Sorry is an illustrated book that’s on-level for elementary school readers, but will they know or care about this artist whose work can be esoteric, nuanced, or illegal?
When our kids drew on the walls we’d chastise them and make them clean it up with peanut butter or hand soap. The former works on wood, while the latter does the removal trick on painted walls. Granted, if Banksy were to sneak into our house and paint something we would in no way, shape, or form paint over or remove it. We would also relish in the extra zero or two that would be added to the resale value of our former home.
That’s the thing about graffiti, everyone knows that it’s illegal, yet it’s done by some and observed by all in the vicinity. Sometimes it’s rogue letters or trippy scribblings and other times it’s a work of art that could be sold for big money.
Elementary kids who read Graffitied Walls And Wasn’t Sorry won’t walk away trying to tag any piece of unclaimed wall. They will, however, enjoy the book, love the two-color simplicity of the art, and grin as they read about his exploits. Banksy is told from the first-person perspective as if he’s telling the story himself. This is a great way for young readers to engage with this because it allows them to get curious about Banksy. Had the book simply presented things from the third-person it would’ve been cute, due to the artwork, but wouldn’t have told as complete of a story.
Banksy’s appeal as an anonymous artist, penchant for stunts like selling at a flea market or partially destroying one of his works are covered in the book. The text is on par for those middle-elementary school readers to read most of the book and understand the story. There is also enough detail in the book’s story for those ages to do a short essay on Banksy. In classes that I’ve taught many students in third grade always choose the most out-there animal, like a howler monkey or emperor penguin. A report on a world-renowned graffiti artist would be a welcome surprise for elementary school teachers in the coming year.
What older readers (like me) who don’t know much about Banksy (again…like me) will appreciate from the book is how simply it breaks down his appeal. While I knew the basic style appearance, the details-like when he released 200 rats as an exhibit and the non-amusement park are fun to read about in this illustrated book format. The illustrations are Bansky-esque, with just a touch of Pete the Cat, both of which will be attractive to readers aged six and up. Granted, those younger readers will need to be reminded not to do what Banksy does, but those slightly older readers will learn about someone who is causing a scene from behind the curtain. It’s a smart book that speaks in a way that tells you a lot, without using too many words, which is great for an illustrated book of this nature.
Banksy Graffitied Wall and Wasn’t Sorry is by Fausto Gilberti and available on Phaidon.
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