Political Points Made with Stencil Graffiti
Stencilling has actually been around for 25 years, even though many people think Banksy invented it. You can use cardboard, paper or other types of media (such as plastics) to develop templated imagery and text. You simply cut around the design from your cardboard/paper/other surface, put then set this surface against a wall (for example), and roll-on paint or spray into the cut-out shapes.
In effect, the method of stencilling involves applying paint across a stencil to form an image on a surface underneath. It’s also feasible to apply multiple layers of stencils to produce an illusion of depth or even add colours.
So why do some people prefer to be a stencil artist? For a few, it is an easy method to produce a political point. Other stencil artists value the PR that their artwork can acquire. Some simply wish their work to be seen. As the stencil stays unchanged during its use, it is far easier for an artist to rapidly replicate what could be an involved artwork at a very quick rate, when equated to other prescribed tagging methods, so without question, there is also a compelling self-promoting reason to prefer stencilling.
Banksy has applied stencilling as a method to make a point, often rather succinctly, providing the viewer to work out that very point in their head. This is oftentimes why people enjoy his artworks so much, as they force the viewer to reflect on the message behind the artwork. Banksy art is now being reproduced on t-shirts, canvas and posters, such is the popularity of the street artist.
