Page 62 - Arts Management Magazine Iss 1

BANKSY
AMSTERDAM

BECOMING BANKSY a Draconian policy towards graffiti writing.
It was self-preservation over self-promo-
During 1999 a young British tion every day of the week.
Artist called ‘Robin' stayed in MR: Obviously you’ve met him, know
Room 5B at The Carlton Arms him, and know who he is, so why does he
Hotel in New York City. continue to want to remain anonymous?
SL: That I don't know, that would be
The enigmatic graffiti magnate something you’d have to take up with him.
now known as Banksy proved My thing is, he can now come out and say
prolific during his residency, I am Banksy, and no one would believe
painting a room along with his him. One hundred thousand people across
prominent stairwell. the world could all say they’re Banksy. It's
the Spartacus syndrome. Who’s to say that
one slightly fat idiot over there really isn't
Banksy. Go on prove it! (laughs) Yeah, here
I am with all my canvases...Everyone will
say, yeah whatever, anybody can make
those. I never really thought of that Mi-
chael, but it would now be impossible for
him to claim being Banksy without being
verified by the likes of me and other peo-
ple that have worked with him.
MR: As portrayed in the HBO Docu-
mentary, Banksy Does New York, what do
you think of people that take Banksy’s
public works and sell it?
SL: I think it's shameful. I always did. I
always will. You know me and Banksy…
well, there's no love lost between us, and
him. I still think Banksy should have the
right to make something in the street
without it being stolen within seconds.
I mean, it's got nothing to do with him.
I think it makes the city a poorer place
without it. It makes the city a less beauti-
ful place. It would be like someone steal-
ing from St. Paul's Cathedral.
MR: Thank you for sharing with the Arts
Management audience, Steve.
SL: Brilliant mate. Thank you Michael. ?
AMM is proud to profile the wonderfully curated,
The Art of Banksy exhibit, showing in Amsterdam.

62 Arts Management Magazine I www.ArtsManagementMagazine.com