INTERVIEW: One man sets out to save Banksy’s rat painting

Banksy continually and unfailingly shakes up the art world with almost every piece he paints or installs in public spaces. The graffiti/stencil artist, who keeps his identity under tight wraps, storms into cities and offers art pieces that posit engaging questions. However, as he leaves his trademark touches on the world, his art continues to come under fire.

First of all, many Banksy pieces are illegally painted street art, and the private property owners have a difficult choice to make after waking up and finding a stencil on their exterior wall. Do they trash the graffiti? Do they preserve it for passersby? Do they preserve it for eventual sale?

Saving Banksy, the new documentary from director Colin M. Day, follows one art collector who vows to save and preserve a Banksy original from destruction. Brian Greif decided to save a piece of art known as the “Haight Street Rat” in San Francisco. The artist created the piece during his time in San Fransciso; allegedly he made the these paintings instead of granting interviews during the run of the Banksy documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop.

According to a press release, Greif saw an opportunity to save the rat painting, and he negotiated a deal with the property owners to remove 10 redwood siding planks, thus saving the portrait of a rat wearing a Che Guevara hat. Greif kept the planks, valued at a great deal of money, in his closet until he could find a proper home for them. In the documentary, he tells the camera that he’s uninterested in making a profit off the art and instead wants the “Haight Street Rat” to be on view for the public.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Greif about the documentary and his collecting efforts. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What inspired you to save this Banksy original from destruction?

Like many people in San Francisco, I would rush each day to see the Banksy paintings as they appeared. I saw the public reaction and the power of each painting. The city ordered all the paintings removed under it’s ‘anti-graffiti ordinance.’ I was dismayed as the paintings were buffed one by one. I decided that someone needed to do something to preserve this incredible gift to the people of San Francisco.

Why have you not accepted some of the financial offers to purchase the artwork? Do you think one day you will?

I have not accepted any of the offers because the artist did not intend for people to profit from the painting. It was meant for the public. We worked very closely with the international street art community on the film. They were all in agreement that the painting should never be sold. I will never sell it. I gave my [word] to the street art community that I would not sell, it and I intend to keep my word.

How nervous were you when the pieces of siding were in your bedroom closet? Were you worried about damage and chipped paint?

I was extremely nervous. The contractors hired to remove the painting were only about 50 percent sure it could be removed without damage. In addition, the building was over 100 years old. The boards on the wall were the original boards. If we found damage behind the boards, I would have been responsible for any repairs and replacement. That could have been over $100,000. I was very [relieved] and happy when the first board was removed and everything looked good. It took a full week to remove the Rat from the side of the building.

What do you personally like about Banksy’s art?

I love the impact his art has on the public. Much of what Banksy does is very simple, but it makes people talk, share and think. That is a very powerful effect on the public.

Has Banksy ever contacted you? Would you be open to a meeting?

I have not had contact with Banksy. We have tried to leave him alone through this process. I am sure he is contacted daily by people who want him to endorse or be part of projects. Our goal was to leave him alone. The movie isn’t just about Banksy. The movie is about the entire street art and graffiti movements. Our goal was to, hopefully, get the public and the art world to appreciate these amazing gifts to communities and preserve all of them.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Saving Banksy is now available on DVD, VOD and on streaming platforms. Click here for more information.