Also sometimes called activist art, or political art. This genre usually consists of the artists name being unknown and illegal controversial artwork being located in a public spaces. Some forms of this art include altering billboards and graffiti. Although many people I talk to say Banksy is overrated because his art is too obvious and simple, I still find it pleasant to look at. In particular his work on the Gaza Wall (West Bank barrier). Another famous group of guerilla artists is called the Guerilla Girls. Started in the 80's, the Guerilla Girls have included hundreds of different women working for the group. Mainly based in New York, they raise awareness of feminism, usually focused on sexism in museums and the artworld.
There is always an exception to the rules. Recently, in the last few months there has been a campaign by the BHA (British Humanist Association) to put slogans on buses in London containing the phrase, "THERE'S PROBABLY NO GOD. NOW STOP WORRYING AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE." One thing that immediately jumps out at me, is the fact that since all the letters are in capitals you don't know whether they have chosen to capitalise the word 'god' or not. This just plays into the meaning of the advertisement. For if they had capitalized the word 'god' it would be contradicting their meaning.
The part I full heartedly agree with is a quote from Professor Richard Dawkins, "Religion is accustomed to getting a free ride... unearned respect and the right not to be offended, the right to brainwash children. Even on the buses, nobody thinks twice when they see a religious slogan plastered across the side. This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think... and thinking is anathema to religion." (BBC News, 21 Oct. 2008) This is an exception to the rules, because it is legal, and people know who made it. So in the lecture I asked if this would still be considered Guerilla art, I was told yes. Art can be controversial without being guerilla art, so what makes it Guerilla art, if this example I just gave could also be considered Guerilla art? This also looks at the question of what is considered controversial? What we are used to is usually not controversial, so it is not a good thing or a bad thing, it is simply what is different that is controversial.
Just for some laughs:
In retort to the campaign Stephen Green of Christian Voice said, "Bendy-buses, like atheism, are a danger to the public at large. I should be surprised if a quasi-religious advertising campaign like this did not attract graffiti. People don't like being preached at. Sometimes it does them good, but they still don't like it." (BBC News, 21 Oct. 2008)
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