Exit Through the Giftshop

What was the overall message of the film?

Life isn’t fair.

Why do you think it was titled Exit Through the Gift Shop?

The title plays on the way visitor’s are sent through a gift shop after visiting an amusement park in an attempt to extract more money from them. In this case, the amusement park was societie’s introduction to street art and the gift shop was Thierry’s art show.

Do you think a particular artist in the film was more conceptually rich than another and why?

I think that several of the original street artists seemed fairly gifted, particularly Shepard Fairey and especially Banksy. Banksy seemed to be gifted in both 2D and 3D art. His subjects were all thought provoking and controversial. He was also good at planning and execution, which can make all the difference in art.

What are your opinions of the use of appropriation in street art/ graffiti?

I don’t agree with defacing someone else’s property, but I think street art is an important form of expression.

What are your opinions on street art/ graffiti in general?  Is it a valid form of art?

First off, I think there is a difference between street art and the random and thoughtless spray painting of a wall. One provokes thought and the other is just a form of vandalism. I know, “one man’s trash is another’s art”. I absolutely believe that street art is a valid form of art and that it is an important contribution to society. The world is often a boring place with rules and conformity in every direction. That being said, I think that defacing someone else’s property is a shitty thing to do. I’m glad that there is street art and I want it to continue, but I’m happy that people are arrested for doing it. Plus, if it weren’t against the law, it just wouldn’t have the mystique that makes it so cool.

Do you think the artists in the film have "sold out"?

Yes and no. I think if you can make a living doing what you love, why the hell not. On the other hand the entire street art scene was suppose to be counterculture, anti-establishment, and anti-capitalism.