Kelly Grovier

Art critic, feature writer and poet Kelly Grovier says Banksy is much more than the world’s most famous urban artist, he is also one of the most perceptive art historians of our age.

Grovier argues that the memorable works he has created over the last 30 years are a commentary on the history of image-making. While many see Banksy as a prankster who shreds tradition, Grovier says the work is characterised by a profound understanding of the story of art. Banksy recasts masterpieces as powerful commentary on issues such as climate change, consumerism and the struggle for peace and reveals these works to be elastic, resilient and relevant. Grovier looks at many of Banksy’s most memorable works including his lampooning of the Lascaux cave paintings, his reinvention of Monet’s water-lily pond and his version of Vermeer’s girl.

Grovier is a columnist and feature writer for BBC Culture. His writings on art feature in national newspapers and his previous books include 100 Works of Art That Will Define Our Age,  A New Way of Seeing: The History of Art in 57 Works and The Art of Colour.