Sideways News

Banksy has achieved fame with his street art

Despite not attending the premiere of his first film at the Sundance Film Festival, graffiti artist Banksy made sure that his presence was felt in Utah.

Five stencilled works by the artist appeared in the state's Park City in the run-up to the premiere of the film, called Exit Through the Gift Shop, which was aired last night (January 24th).

Among the works which appeared in the town are one of a rat wearing 3D glasses and another of a cameraman photographing a flower that he has just plucked from the ground.

Reaction to the street art has been mixed, with some local residents arguing that the artist was damaging the historic centre of Park City and others heralding the tags as important pieces.

Despite initial suspicions that the works may not have been genuine Banksy pieces, the artist's spokeswoman, Jo Brooks, told the Bristol Evening Post that he was responsible for the graffiti.

Exit Through the Gift Shop, which is narrated by British actor Rhys Ifans, tells the story of an eccentric French shopkeeper and an amateur filmmaker who attempt to meet Banksy.

The Bristol-based artist, who has managed to remain anonymous in spite of his high-profile works, speaks on camera during the film, although his face is said to be hidden.

John Cooper, director of the Sundance Film Festival, said: "Exit Through the Gift Shop is one of those films that comes along once in a great while, a warped hybrid of reality and self-induced fiction while at the same time a totally entertaining experience."

Last month, the British artist caused controversy after spraying over a piece of street art in North London which had remained untouched since 1985.

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