It was the summer of 2002 when I saw my very first Banksy, although he has been doing graffiti artwork since the 80s. It is believed that he was born in 1974 in Bristol, but as Banksy is a pseudo-anonymous very few now the real person behind his monumental works. Due to the strenuous time demands for graffiti, since 2002 he mainly uses a secret stenciling method to avoid getting caught.
Its was that day in London when I decided to make a more long term move, four years and running. Living in the city I used his works as references for navigating my way around the not exactly grid blocked streets. There are four Banksy pieces here in New York, that I am aware of, which some how make me feel a little more at home. There is much debate amongst the crowds regarding if these pieces were created by Banksy himself.
Today commences his first official exhibition in New York, the "Village Pet Store And Charcoal Grill." I was beginning to wonder what “mechanically retrieved meat” was in store, if it’s all in the cheeky allude to those waiting in line who had been lured as a result LED screen hype such as here. The theme of the show seemed to be centered around the fast food, over consuming, self loathing culture predominate in the very country looking onward. Ironic that on the walk to the pet store today many pedestrians had bought into the commercial need for hiding behind costume and cosmetic layers. Hefner bunnies were on the prowl, all the day’s activities written off as a holiday.
Not bad for Art’s Greatest Briton, an award titled to Banksy for the record high “Space Girl & Bird” piece auctioned off for £288,000 (US$576,000) on On 27 April 2007.
There It is rumored that on December 2nd another exhibition will open at 1:00 pm. The gallery is situated at 502 W. 27th Street, New York, NY 10001.
To be confirmed...
In a world of trying times I look to my feet only to discover inspiration from New York’s Side Walk Philosopher De La Vega. With hope, onward I see fellow citizens picking up their pace and smiling with faith.
