EXIT... by Banksy

In groups of four or five, complete a collaborative document you will share with the rest of the class. Use either 1) the Padlet link or 2) the Google Doc one.

Here are some questions which should help you with your task:

0. Why is this documentary entitled «Exit Through the Gift Shop»? What does it mean?

1. There has been extensive debate about whether the film is a real documentary or just a hoax. What do you think? Does it even matter whether it’s real or not?

2. Did this film change your view of street art? Of street artists?

3. Can you remember any street art that you have come across? How did you react to it?

4. Is it possible to draw a line between street art and vandalism? If so, where should the line be drawn?

5. What makes someone an artist?... General consensus? The work itself? The idea behind it? The years of effort it took to get to that point? Is art about going where no one has gone before?

6. Do you like street art? If so, is there any point in the film where you think the artists went too far? Or, are you opposed to the concept of street art?

7. The film raises a question about what should be defined as art. What are your thoughts? What is art to you?

8. How do you feel about political satire? Is it an effective way to criticize society that would otherwise not be open to criticism? In Bansky’s case, do you think his hilarious film succeeded in criticizing the art world, specifically the commercialization of art?

9. Who owns the streets and other public spaces? Who gets to advertise their messages? What effect does it have on society when

money determines what gets advertised in public?

10. Is there value in creative expression that is outside of the mainstream art market?