Graffiti Artist = Banksy

Banksy is a graffiti artist. His true identity is a mystery, because some of what he does is illegal after all. His pieces are easily recognizable on the streets...his stencils appear on the streets, in zoos and he sometimes takes his own work in to museums (undercover of course). Some of his street graffiti (not all of it) is covered over by the authorities, just like any other graffiti, but he fights back hitting these spots again and possibly again! He is a professional artist with successful gallery shows and commercial jobs.
Artist + Graffiti = Banksy. Banksy demonstrates that graffiti can be art, and that this art can convey an assortment of ideas to the masses. Banksy's art in public spaces is accessible, simple, humorous, and political, not elitist and convoluted. While the authorities removing his art from the streets call it vandalism and say that his images will breed an atmosphere where crime will thrive, there are those who appreciate his art and are willing to pay for it...Banksy proves that graffiti can be more than just mischief, it can enrich our public spaces. The fact the the those in charge do not remove all of his work sends a strong message. Would Edmonton benefit from an artist who works in public spaces, bringing his or her wit and sophistication to them? I keep going back to the Giants of Edmonton...our public art is so safe and unwilling to offend, because of this it is hard to say anything of importance. Controversy can breed conversation and debate, while murals of Lois Hole with her sunflowers do nothing (except embarrass)...