Caught the Banksy film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, about his bizarre and unlikely protégé Mr Brainwash the other day. I actually happened to catch the Mr Brainwash art show near my place in the meatpacking district as well, having stopped by it on the way to a bar with my friend Rob. Didn’t’ think much of it then, think less of it now.

Definitely see this if you can. The street artists depicted operate so far out of the mainstream art world that it’s easy to follow without knowing how galleries operate, who the key players are and all that esoteric mud. For guys like Banksy and Shepard Fairy, art punctuates the landscapes we take for granted and reminds us that we’re not only alive, but able to consider, remember, and participate. Brainwash is a poser. 

I don’t think he’s a bad guy, or that he did anything wrong.. Also, the show he put on in LA was insane and was more of an artistic statement than the actual art hanging on the walls. The guy could be the next Warhol, but I don’t think much of him either… Fame as art is boring because there are too many famous people now anyway. Give Snooki a paintbrush already. 

btw I know fuck all about art. If I see something and like it, it’s honest and not tainted by any preconceived notions. I remember the first time I saw ‘neckface’ sprayed on a trailer on Bowery here in NY. I was sitting in a cab, it was nighttime, and I busted out laughing. It was memorable and made me feel good. And that kicks ass.

Tony