While the daily addition to British graffiti artist Banksy’s month-long residency in New York City has some traversing the city in search of his latest work, others, including the NYPD, are less than amused
By Andrew Gretchko
By now, Banksy’s month-long NYC residency, titled “Better Out Than In,” has gained plenty of attention. There are the angry Bronx inhabitants who think the famous street artist is giving their borough a bad name; those who are kicking themselves for not buying that bogus-looking spray-art in Central Park; and even vigilantes who have made a point of protecting Banksy’s work from other taggers. But two drastically different episodes stands out above the rest: the now-infamous Sphinx heist that took place on Tuesday, October 22, and Banksy’s ensuing hiatus on Wednesday, October 23.
“No turn unstoned. A 1/36 scale replica of the great Sphinx of Giza made from smashed cinderblocks. You’re advised not to drink the replica Arab spring water,” read the caption underneath the picture of a miniature cinderblock rendition of the great Sphinx of Giza found on Banksy’s website (www.banksyny.com) on Tuesday. The ever-resourceful graffiti artist had once again transformed the location chosen for his work, drawing a throng of fans hoping to see Banksy’s work firsthand.
But before many of his followers had a chance to reach Willets Point, Queens where the Sphinx was located, Bernardo “Choco” Veles, the owner of a nearby auto-glass shop, had set to work dismantling the newly created structure, later telling the New York Post that someone had offered him money to commit the deed.
Disappointed Banksy fans cried foul play, but once again their please fell on deaf ears – graffiti, a public form of art, seemingly belongs to no one. Yet when a high-profile artist like Banksy comes to town, it isn’t uncommon for his pieces to be claimed by those looking to reap the benefits of his work. Some call it the American Dream, others call it vandalism, but the NYPD has deemed Banksy a target, and much like Banksy’s fans they have been searching the city for the graffiti artist throughout the month. The following day, their hard work paid off.
“Today’s art has been cancelled due to police activity,” was the caption found on Banksy’s site on Wednesday. Some mused that Banksy may have finally been tracked down by law enforcement after years of breaking the law, as no further word was released from the artist, or the police, as to the whereabouts of the artist. Had the man finally put an end to the American Dream? Did the cops care that Banksy isn’t even American?
On Thursday, a new Banksy piece popped up, this time in Hell’s Kitchen. “at the door of the club” followed by “waiting in vain…” read the caption on Banksy’s site along with a picture of a man wearing a suit leaning against the nearby wall as petals from his bouquet fell to the ground below.
No one but Banksy knows whether this is another one of his many dramatic sociopolitical messages, but one thing is clear: Banksy’s New York City residency won’t be stopped, and neither will those trying to live the American Dream who will use his work to turn a profit.
