Banksy

1. Banksy is asking everyone to stop taking themselves so seriously in the things that aren't going to matter in the long run, while at the same time, pointing out the things in life that are hard to face. In some of his paintings, he uses a lot of whimsy and innocence. In some of the pictures, like the one with the girl floating on the balloons, Banksy brings a lighthearted point of view to what were once dismal and boring wallspaces. In other works, he points out hard truths like with the dove wearing a bullet proof vest with a target on its chest. I like his outlook on life because even though he exposes different truths, I think of him as an optimist.
2.I think graffiti is art, but there is such a thing as bad art. Art is so undefined and subjective that I don't think anyone has the right to say that someone's work isn't art. I would consider Banksy's works art because he clearly has a message and thinks about his work.
3.I think all artists should have the chance to showcase their work publicly. If they can't get more mainstream exposure in the form of museums or galleries, they should challenge the mainstream and try to get their work in the public eye, possibly through graffiti. Public viewings are what give artists feedback to help them grow as artists, so I definitely think it's an important component of sharing art.