Art Envy: The Graffiti Art of Basquiat and Banksy
Posted By: Lisa McGean
Date Posted: 10/30/2009
In November the Art Envy series will look at the graffiti art of the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and British artist Bansky. Participants in this monthly workshop will enjoy a 30-minute presentation on the work of Basquiat and Banksy, and then get creative in a 45-minute workshop taught by local artist Paula Bullwinkel in which participants will make a personalized graffiti stencil. The workshop will take place at the Bend Public Library in the Brooks Room at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11th and at the Redmond Public Library on Friday, November 13th at 11:00 a.m.. You can register through the calendar section of the library’s website at www.dpls.us/cal or by calling Lisa at 312-1034. Supplies are provided and this program is free and open to the public.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was an American artist and the first African-American painter to become an international art star. He gained popularity first as a graffiti artist in New York City, and then as a successful 1980’s-era Neo-expressionist artist. Basquiat’s paintings continue to influence modern-day artists and sell for high prices.
Bansky is a quasi-anonymous English graffiti artist, believed to have been born in 1974, but there is substantial public uncertainty about his identity. His artworks are often satirical pieces on topics such as politics, culture, and ethics. His street art, which combines graffiti writing with a distinctive stenciling technique, has appeared in cities around the world, including a series of works on derelict buildings in New Orleans marking the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Local Bend artist Paula Bullwinkel has a master’s degree in art education with a minor in painting. She has participated in numerous one-woman and group shows in New York City and the East Coast area. For 18 years, she was a professional fashion and portrait photographer for Magazines in NYC and London. Paula believes artmaking is best approached with a willingness to take risks, and a keen attitude towards the enjoyment of invention.
For more information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1034 or visit the library at www.dpls.lib.or.us. Those wishing to attend events that have special needs resulting from a disability should contact Lisa McGean at 312-1034 at least three days prior to the event.