Willie Walk: The Trifecta (04/04/2009)

Go humans, Go!

Well, I thought that I was done with all of this "Willie Walk" nonsense, when I realized that there was more to be said on the subject than I previously thought.

Urban art has become somewhat of a phenomenon these past few years, a way for the struggling creative to find a voice and make a statement publicly with very few resources at their fingertips. For many of us who dwell in large metropolitan areas, stuck in traffic, or just going about our daily lives, the musings of these artists, painted in very public places on very public objects, created an intelligent and thoughtful break from the usual. For others, it was a form of vandalism and hooliganism, not at all different than the street tags (often but not always associated with gang activity) and other graffito that has been around for decades.

No matter which side of the argument you fall on however, Urban Art seemed to be here to stay. And if you read my blog regularly, you know that I definitely appreciate the medium.

After all, it's hard to compare the following:

THIS (Unsanctioned):

To THIS (Commissioned):

Or even THIS (Protected):

Or is it???

The king of the Urban Art movement is Banksy. Love him or hate him (and what he appears to stand for/against), his style and influence have reached far and wide. If you are not familiar with Banksy, here are a few pieces to get you up to speed:

As you can see, the line between grafitti and art is getting very blurry here. Original Banksy screens often sell for as much as $250,000.00 at auction.

People have connected with Banksy because he attacks the establishment. Just look at this image in which he attacks the worship of consumerism in the Western World...

So it's funny that Madison Avenue has taken notice and responded accordingly.

In the Phoenix area there are at least three major ad campaigns on local billboards directly inspired by the Urban Art Movement.

Snickers:

Pepsi:

And...

Quaker Oats

Of the three campaigns, Quaker is far and away my favorite. It is simple, makes a statement, and is filled with hope.

It also most obviously rips off Banksy...

But dang, if that isn't some slick advertising. Makes me want to buy at least $250,000.00 worth of Oatmeal.

So Banksy?...

Eat your heart out!


And...

Go Humans Go!