Banksy's Exit Through the Gift Shop

Banksy, a pseudonym for the artist who continues to remain anonymous, has confounded critics and collectors alike, keeping his identity a secret while his name and artwork are notoriously well-known in the contemporary art scene. 

So it is no surprise that Banksy's most recent film, "Exit Through the Gift Shop", has people questioning its meaning and authenticity as a documentary, a reflection of the sentiments that also surround the genre of 'street art'.

The film reveals the secretive world of street artists like Shepard Fairey as well as a cameraman turned artist who go to extraordinary lengths to avoid being caught in the act of creating. In filming this docu/mockumentary the artists create a record of their work which might otherwise have been painted over and lost. They are portrayed as private and elusive, though ironically are made more visible through the publicity gained as a result of the film. 

• Art Taipei, Taipei, China: Aug 20-24
  

• Art SD10, San Diego, California: Sept 2-5