Political Points Made with Stencil Graffiti
Stencilling has actually been around for 25 years, even though many people think Banksy contrived it. You can use paper, cardboard or other forms of surfaces (such as plastics) to produced templated imagery and text. You merely cut around the design from your cardboard/paper/other surface, place then put this surface against a wall (for example), and roll-on paint or spray into the cut-out shapes.
The fundamental principle of stencilling is producing outlines via cutting shapes, and spraying paint within these cutout shapes - making unmistakable graphics on the surface underneath. Sometimes multiple layers of stencils are used on the same image to add colours or create the illusion of depth.
So why do some individuals opt to be a stencil artist? For some, it is a great platform to communicate a political point. Many artists value the PR that their art can acquire. Some simply wish their work to be seen. Since the stencil remains unchanged throughout its use, it is easier for an artist to quickly replicate what could be an intricated piece at a very speedy rate, when compared to other conventional tagging methods, so without question, there is also a persuasive promotional reason to get involved with stencilling.
Banksy has applied stencilling as a means to make a political statement, often rather succinctly, providing the witness to get the message themselves. This is often why people enjoy his work so much, as they make the viewer think. Banksy artwork is now being reproduced on canvas art, t-shirts and posters, such is the popularity of Banksy.
