The Financial Value of Street Art is Questioned in the New Feature-Length Documentary ‘$aving Banksy’

The new feature-length documentary $aving Banksy tells the story of artist, street art advocate and former KRON4 general manager Brian Greif and his ongoing efforts to save Banksy’s famous Haight Street Rat. The rat appeared on the side of the Red Victorian hotel during the 2010 promotional tour for Exit Through the Gift Shop. With the landlord’s permission, Greif carefully removed the panels and safely stored them so as ensure the piece would not be stolen or sold. Throughout the film, director Colin Day spoke with a number of artists from around the world to find out how they felt about the financial value that’s given to street art, which in turn, causes people to steal and sell it.

The documentary feature film “Saving Banksy” is the true story of one misguided art collector’s attempt to save a Banksy from destruction and the auction block. The documentary was directed by Colin Day with narration by Paul Polycarpou, and interviews with the top street and graffiti artists from across the globe, including Ben Eine, Risk, Revok, Niels Mueman, Blek Le Rat, Anthony Lister, Doze Green, Hera and Glen E Friedman.

via Street Art News

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.