Compare and contrast The Flower Thrower by Banksy to Shoot by Chris Burden – An ‘Isms’ Overview

Art has long served as a powerful medium for social commentary and critique. In this analysis, we will compare and contrast two influential works: Banksy’s mural “The Flower Thrower” created in 2003, and Chris Burden’s performance piece “Shoot” from 1971. While these works differ in their mediums and contexts, they both address provocative themes of violence, resistance, and societal norms.

“The Flower Thrower” is a stencil mural created by Banksy on a concrete wall in Bethlehem, Palestine. Banksy employs bold black lines and contrasting colours to depict a masked figure poised to throw a bouquet of flowers. This juxtaposition of the act of throwing flowers against a background of urban decay challenges conventional notions of violence and destruction. The mural’s vibrant colours evoke hope and peaceful protest, contrasting with the grey, concrete surroundings.

In contrast, Burden‘s “Shoot” is a performance piece in which he subjected himself to being shot in the arm at close range with a .22 rifle. The performance occurred in an art gallery and involved a carefully orchestrated sequence of events. The piece was a stark demonstration of vulnerability and the limits of bodily endurance. Burden’s use of his own body as the canvas and the act of being shot challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of acceptable artistic expression.

Both “The Flower Thrower” and “Shoot” address themes of violence and resistance, albeit in different ways. Banksy’s mural presents an act of nonviolent protest through the act of throwing flowers, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of conflict. It challenges the prevailing narrative of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and encourages peaceful resistance.

In contrast, Burden’s “Shoot” confronts the viewer with the brutality and inherent violence in society. The performance raises questions about the value of human life, the limits of personal sacrifice for art, and the power dynamics between the viewer, the artist, and the artwork. It serves as a provocative critique of the normalization of violence in contemporary society.

“The Flower Thrower” was created during the height of the Second Intifada, a period marked by intense conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Banksy’s work emerged as a response to the violence and oppression faced by the Palestinian people, using art as a means of raising awareness and promoting empathy. It speaks to the larger discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the desire for peace in the face of adversity.

On the other hand, Burden’s “Shoot” was presented during a time of social and political unrest in the United States. The performance occurred just four years after the infamous Kent State shootings, where National Guardsmen killed four student protesters. Burden’s piece can be seen as a direct commentary on the prevalence of violence in American society and the dangers of political activism.

Banksy’s “The Flower Thrower” and Burden’s “Shoot” are thought-provoking works of art that challenge societal norms and address themes of violence and resistance. While Banksy’s mural employs visual symbolism to promote peace and hope, Burden’s performance pushes the boundaries of artistic expression by confronting the audience with the raw reality of violence. These works demonstrate the power of art to engage viewers, provoke critical thinking, and shed light on complex social issues. Through their contrasting mediums, both artists contribute to a broader dialogue on violence, power, and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world.