BANKSY GRAFFITIED WALLS AND WASN’T SORRY.

An Italian author/illustrator pays homage to Banksy, the world-famous, anonymous street artist.

Readers see Banksy on the book’s first spread, saying in a plainspoken, first-person narration, “Nobody knows who I really am, and that way, I stay out of trouble.” All humans in the book, including Banksy, are depicted in an offbeat, stylized cartoon manner, with stick arms and legs and oversized, bulging eyes; they are all black forms with paper-white faces on uncluttered, solid white backgrounds. Banksy hides in hooded black clothing, only eyes and a nose showing, describing artistic themes (anti-war, political, environmental); media (spray paint and stencils, sculpture); style (graffiti); and subjects (rats, soldiers, the Mona Lisa). Banksy also tells readers about various exhibitions and artistic projects—including the more-well-known ones (the painting that self-destructed in a shredder after purchase); the lesser-known ones (filling a meat truck with stuffed animals); and the exceptionally elaborate ones (Dismaland)—and theories about who Banksy is. (“There are lots of different theories. Some of them…pretty wild!”) Banksy speaks with a wry sense of humor and, just as the title indicates, without apology (“I do it without permission and I’m not sorry”), also emphasizing that art should be for everyone, not just the rich: “I don’t really like selling my work for lots of money.” Appended is more information about Banksy and a reproduction of Girl With Balloon. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8.46-by-16.92-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)

A reverent, felicitous, and accessible introduction to one of the world’s most subversive artists.