A few days, I visited the iconically quirky Saatchi Gallery. For me, visiting this particular gallery is always a hit and miss experience. Often, I'm astounded by a piece of art and I ponder its' meaning for a solid 30 seconds. More often than that, I leisurely amble through the corridors filled with recreated elephant turds and fleshed out camels, ignoring many creations which simply mean nothing to me and uttering under my breath, "I could do that".
Of course, if I wanted to fit in, I could always announce that every piece of art I witness really "says something to me". I could join the legions of art snobs who roam around the dingy studios of over-paid, predictably controversial artists, staring at a photograph which wouldn't be out of place on a friend's Facebook profile for a suspiciously long amount of time and uttering inane comments about the artist's intentions.
Instead, however, I often prefer to escape the pretentious world of faux-appreciation and have my attention caught by something more accessible and relatable, yet still undeniably thought-provoking and profound.
Not too long ago, I came across a street artist called Bambi. Bambi, as an artist, fulfils the contradiction of being accessible yet profound, as does she many others. She's anonymous, yet world-known, having sparked the interest of celebrity fans such as Adele, Brad Pitt and Harry Styles. Her art is based on pop culture, such as the death of Amy Winehouse, yet will remain timeless. Her images are playful, yet moving and somewhat touching.
Most importantly, however, her art has been designed for the masses, rather than for the champagne-swilling elite of the London art-scene, yet can still appeal to the aforementioned crowd.
Her unflinching confidence in her own individual style has led to her success, and unlike Banksy, whom she is frequently compared to; this success is unlikely to result in her demise.
By painting everyone from royals (See 'A Bit Like Marmite') to the anonymous British 'under-class' (see 'Hero to Zero'), Bambi has the ability to everyone in-between. Her insightful artworks which delve into key issues in British society serve only to fulfil the artist's desire to observe and offer a commentary, rather than to increase her savings in her Swiss bank account.
Once in a while, refreshing artists like Bambi give me faith in art again and act as a reassuring reminder that art is a thinking man's activity, and is not simply reserved for the ever-growing horde of easily-entranced, amateur art experts.
Bambi, will be exhibiting some of her work at the Walton Fine Arts Gallery in Knightsbridge from November 22nd - December 31st. It will certainly be well worth a visit!
'Hero to Zero'
'A Bit Like Marmite'