Banksy, Keith Haring and Ephemeral Street Art
Street art, by its very nature, is an art of the moment. Whether it is a monumental fresco or a simple stencil, these works are often created in a hurry, on precarious supports, and exposed to the vagaries of time, authorities, and sometimes even vandalism. Among the emblematic artists of this ephemeral art, Banksy and Keith Haring stand out for their ability to capture the moment, while accepting — even celebrating — the transience of their work. In this article, we will explore the ephemeral nature of street art through the works of these two emblematic figures, reflecting on the conservation, disappearance, and lasting impact of street art.
The Transience of Street Art: An Act of Rebellion
Street art is often a spontaneous response to the urban environment, political or social events, or a personal desire to express oneself outside of conventional channels. This spontaneity is inseparable from the notion of ephemerality. For street artists, the acceptance of the impermanence of their work is almost an act of rebellion against the idea that art should be preserved and venerated in institutions such as museums.
Keith Haring, one of the pioneers of street art in the 1980s, often created works on such temporary media as billboards, concrete walls, and even cars. Aware that his works would quickly be erased or covered up, Haring saw the ephemeral as an integral part of his creative process. For him, art was a direct act of communication, meant to be seen by as many people as possible, in the moment, before disappearing to make way for other voices.
Similarly, Banksy, the mysterious British artist, plays on the ephemerality of his art to reinforce his message. His stencils, often subversive and provocative, suddenly appear on brick walls, bridges or abandoned buildings. Banksy knows that his works are threatened with disappearance, either by the authorities who consider them vandalism or by greedy collectors who seek to tear them off the walls to sell them. Yet it is precisely this threat that gives his art a particular resonance, capturing the public's attention with its brevity.
Conservation: Between Preservation and Denaturation
Faced with the ephemeral, the question of the conservation of street art works is complex. On the one hand, some works are so emblematic that they arouse a desire for preservation. On the other hand, this act of conservation can be perceived as a betrayal of the very spirit of street art, which is intrinsically linked to its context and temporality.
Keith Haring himself has seen some of his murals preserved, while others have disappeared, erased by time or human hand. For example, Haring’s 1983 mural at Grace House in New York was painstakingly cut up and auctioned off in 2019, sparking debates about the ethics of removing a work from its original context in order to preserve it.
Banksy, for his part, has always been ambivalent about the conservation of his works. Some of his creations have been protected by plexiglass installed by local communities or private galleries, while others have been deliberately destroyed by the artist himself to denounce the commercialization of his work. The most famous example is undoubtedly that of the work Girl with Balloon , which partially self-destructed after being sold at auction, an act that reaffirmed the ephemeral nature of his art while criticizing the art market.
The Lasting Impact of the Ephemeral
Despite their ephemeral nature, street art leaves a lasting mark on visual and popular culture. They capture moments, emotions, and ideas that resonate long after their physical disappearance. Keith Haring's work continues to influence contemporary artists, with his distinctive style and humanist messages being incorporated into various artistic mediums.
Banksy, for his part, has transformed the ephemeral into a powerful tool for social commentary. Each work, although temporary, generates a global discussion, amplified by social networks and the media. Banksy's art, even if it quickly disappears from the urban landscape, persists in the collective memory and continues to provoke reflections on subjects as diverse as war, poverty, and freedom of expression.
Conclusion
Street art, through its ephemeral essence, reminds us that art is not limited to the physical object, but that it is also an experience, a moment of connection between the artist, the work, and the viewer. Keith Haring and Banksy have each, in their own way, embraced this transience and made it a force, transforming the art of the moment into a lasting commentary on the world. Whether their works are preserved or disappear, they continue to exert a profound influence, proving that the ephemeral can paradoxically achieve eternity in the minds of the public.