Pino Boresta Criticizes Banksy as Mere Cartoonist
In December 2018, Italian artist Pino Boresta expressed his views in a critical article on Artribune, asserting that Banksy functions more as a cartoonist and satirical artist who borrows concepts from others. Boresta unfavorably contrasts Banksy with Italian cartoonists Vauro, Staino, and Forattini, whom he deems superior in talent. He critiques Banksy's famous depiction of a girl losing a heart-shaped balloon as childish and insignificant, although he concedes its worldwide acclaim, likening its fame to that of the Mona Lisa. Citing a survey of 2,000 individuals, Boresta notes that Banksy’s art was rated higher than that of notable artists like John Constable and David Hockney. He also reflects on his own project, M.E.R.d.A. – Manifesti Elettorali Rettificati da Asporto, showcased at Bianco Contemporaneo in Rome in 2018, advocating for a reformed narrative of street art devoid of media influence.
Key facts
- Pino Boresta published an opinion piece on Artribune in December 2018.
- Boresta calls Banksy a mere cartoonist and satirical drawer.
- He compares Banksy unfavorably to Italian cartoonists Vauro, Staino, and Forattini.
- Boresta dismisses Banksy's girl with balloon image as puerile and useless.
- He claims Banksy's work rivals the Mona Lisa in popularity.
- A survey of 2,000 people ranked Banksy above Constable, Turner, Blake, Hockney, Kapoor, and Moore.
- Boresta exhibited M.E.R.d.A. at Bianco Contemporaneo, Rome in 2018.
- He calls for a rewritten history of street art.
Entities
Artists
- Pino Boresta
- Banksy
- Vauro
- Staino
- Forattini
- John Constable
- William Turner
- Peter Blake
- David Hockney
- Anish Kapoor
- Henry Moore
- Obey
Institutions
- Artribune
- Bianco Contemporaneo
- Sotheby's
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- London
- England
- Bristol
- Bologna
- Asti
- Turin