Alessandra Mattanza – författare

This vibrant 3-volume set explores Banksy's iconic works through the lens of some of his most powerful symbols-rats, monkeys, and children.Whether he's protesting war, challenging societal norms, or sending up political and economic systems with his scathing critiques, Banksy's strategic and inventive use of symbolism is one of his most effective tools. Now renowned Banksy scholar Alessandra Mattanza helps readers understand and contextualize some of Banksy's most recognized motifs. Packed with images that span his oeuvre since the early 2000s these volumes are filled with photographs and reproductions of some of his most well-known works featuring rats-Let Them Eat Crack, Rat Inside a Clock, monkeys-Laugh Now and Devolved Parliament; and children-Girl with Balloon and Girl Frisking Soldier. His work on urban resistance is also highlighted here, including such pieces as The Flower Thrower and The Son of a Migrant from Syria. In her introductory essays Mattanza delves into the unique resonance of Banksy's work; his wit and perception; and his remarkable ability to create enduring messages on an ephemeral canvas.

An in-depth exploration of digital art, featuring artworks and interviews from 21 leading artists working with AR, VR, generative art, glitch art, data-driven art, and more.

Accompanied by stunning full-page, full-color reproductions and photographs of works in situ—including many that have been lost to time photographer and street art expert Alessandra Mattanza’s impassioned and informed text follows Banksy’s career trajectory from creator of message-laden stencils on London’s city walls to a sought-after champion of human and environmental rights. She investigates many of the key images that populate Banksy’s work—animals, children, historic figures, balloons, cartoon characters, police officers, and others. She shows how Banksy’s oeuvre has expanded beyond graffiti and stenciling and how his art has helped support his activism in a variety of causes—from calls for peace in the Middle East to the preservation of the natural environment. Readers will come away with a new understanding of how Banksy helped transform an illegal act of criminal damage into a high art form, and how, by ridiculing institutionalized art, he has achieved enormous fame within those very institutions.

If street art is, in itself, an act of rebellion, it is tragically ironic that the genre seems dominated by men. This exciting book is an important first step in shedding light on the substantial number of women who are gaining fame in the street art world. It brings together the work of 24 artists, through dazzling photographs of their work and intimate portraits of their lives based on interviews collected by award-winning journalist Alessandra Mattanza. On walls, sidewalks, prison cells, grain silos and other nontraditional canvases, these artists tackle ideas around empowerment, feminism, the pink revolution, body shaming and body imagery, racism, and the climate crisis. From Oklahoma City and Brooklyn, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh makes site specific work that considers how people experience race and gender within their surrounding environments. South African multidisciplinary artist Faith XLVII imbues her narratives with a longing for a deeper connection to nature, and a resurrection of the divine feminine. Italy’s Camilla Falsini incorporates joyful, bold colors and simple shapes to deliver serious messages about the environment. Shamsia Hassani, one of Afghanistan’s first female street artists, makes vibrant murals and paintings in which women play musical instruments as a vehicle for self-expression. Bursting with colorful photographs of works in situ as well as in detail, this thrilling and incisive book proves that street art is not only female—it’s the essence of conceptual rebellion itself.

"I've never made my art because I want to make money. I make it because I believe that my paintings ... can change the world." Meet C215, a master street artist with a mission. C215 is the pseudonym chosen by Christian Guémy, one of the world's most important masters of contemporary street art. He became famous in 2008 when Banksy invited him to collaborate on some projects, and today, even though he has the talent to work for galleries or museums, he continues producing his art on the street. See his amazing creations, and get to know him through a series of interviews conducted by Alessandra Mattanza, an expert in international street art. Known for drawing, painting, spray-painting, and personally photographing his works, C215 himself has in fact taken many of the images shown in this eye-opening volume. These photos enrich this intimate portrait of the artist, presenting his vision and his experience on the street. Readers can grasp the essence of his philosophy, and discover his most important works in the cities of Paris, London, Los Angeles, New York, Rome, Istanbul, New Delhi, and Fez as well as in Brazil, Poland, Israel, and Morocco.

An important topic at the forefront of our lives.Inspirational and intimate interviews with celebrities who aim to save our planet.SOS Planet Earth shines a light on our endangered planet and what we witness on a daily basis. A brief introduction will give a background to the different issues that affect the Earth. Issues such as global warming and pollution are discussed throughout the book through the words of celebrities who have taken action to combat these threats to our planet. SOS Planet Earth features original, never-before-published interviews with celebrities and high-profile personalities including Jane Goodall, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Robert Redford, Barack and Michelle Obama, Cate Blanchett, Harrison Ford, and more."