#23 We just watched this on Netflix streaming.You should too!:

The Film: Exit Through the Gift Shop

The movie is about a quirky French guy Thierry Guetta who has a habit of recording everything with a video camera. Taking a shower?  He’s there. Playing with his kids? Yep, he’s recording. Sex? Lord only knows.

Some people have based their careers around the creating art that inflames the discussion of what qualifies as art. Nothing eats away at a white person more than a shark in a tank being bought for millions of dollars. Exit through the Gift Shop is kind of about that idea – but in the most fascinating way.

Thierry Guetta kinda’ falls into the life of Graffiti art and ends up working with the most famous and elusive graffiti artist in the world, Banksy.

Why to watch it: It is defines an elusive idea in regards to art.

A lot of art is marketing and that is kind of Guetta’s skill. He plays to the masses in the most profound way. I’ve heard claims that the film is just a cleverly arranged stunt by Bansky, but I don’t buy it. I think Bansky saw an opportunity in Guetta and took it. Guetta, or “Mr. Brainwash”, is and odd cookie who knows how to make lots of money.

I think Banksy knew what Guetta was doing and crafted a movie that was built around a powerful idea: Art is all about the hype and interpretation by an audience. Think “Fountain” by Marcel Duchamp. I don’t think Guetta is crazy either. His edited footage for Banksy might incline people to think he is, but believe me, I went to a rather abstract film school and have seen much worse.

Pay attention to this: Guetta’s art

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but this movie isn’t really about whether Guetta’s art is bad or not, but more about Guetta’s ability to make people think it is. Because I’m white and think I’m pretty smart I obviously have to weigh in on the subject. Yes, I think its kinda’ good.

If I was a billionaire I’d def’ show up to a Mr. Brainwash show. Does he have profound things to say? I don’t know, I’d have to go to his expeditions. I’m not sure he is defined yet themactially. Like Damien Hirsch, maybe his art is to inflame. Maybe he knows what he’s doing. But Banksy definitely knows whats up. He knows what the Guetta’s success says about the art culture.

-Collin.