Banksy – The Oscar Nominated Street Artist

For those of you that do not follow the art world, you should at least follow one artist, Banksy.

Why? Because Banksy is the anonymous bad boy grabbing the world's attention with his street art. He not only has produced several works of art, but even his documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop (now on DVD), was nominated for an Oscar.  Unfortunately, Banky's film lost to Inside Job, despite the popularity of his documentary.

Guardian News stated:

When his nomination was announced, Banksy called it a "big surprise."

"I [Banksy] don't agree with the concept of award ceremonies, but I'm prepared to make an exception for the ones I'm nominated for," he said, adding: "The last time there was a naked man covered in gold paint in my house, it was me."

Banksy was denied the approval to wear a disguise to the Oscars. This was for safety reasons, so there were not other people crashing the award show in his name. It was rumored he wasn't going to attend the award show after his request was denied. Despite his need for disguise, we don't even know what he looks like. So, maybe he did, in fact, make an appearance at the Oscars, after all.

His work is political, illegal, and controversial. Google his name and check out his graffiti. It's fantastic. His work often gets praise, but as a shop owner, you may not be too thrilled. Honestly, if Banksy tagged my shop wall, I'd be stoked. Plus, the Telegraph reported, "Prices for Banksy's art has shown an increase in the last month, with one work selling for three times its estimate at Sotheby's" So, you may want to think twice about being angered by Banksy's work.

The Los Angeles Times couldn't agree more, after Banksy upped his antics by producing work around L.A. leading up to the Oscars. The newspaper stated he's "self-promoting himself without making an appearance."

Through all of this, he's kept himself a mystery to the public eye. Why?  Privacy and possible lawsuits most likely. He is after all, breaking all the rules, but for a very good cause.

[A Message to Netflix Users: Exit Through The Gift Shop can be viewed instantly]