Banksy is Full of Hot Air -- A Closer Look at Banksy's Inflatable Throw-Up

The pictures that Banksy released on his website looked like graffiti bubble letters, meanwhile the audio recording on Banksy's website described these as actually full of hot air. Turns out, it is both. These are actual balloons, painted with graffiti, and shaded on the wall with spray paint. But the actual letters themselves are balloons.

It seems that Banksy is having some fun poking at himself with this piece, at the same time he claims the graffiti crown. It is worth noting, that Banksy has outlasted the haters in New York. When Banksy first started, the haters were chomping at the bit to paint over Banksy's new pieces. But as the month wore on, the haters grew less and less motivated. Even last night's Bronx Zoo piece remained untouched, untagged and unvandalized even though it was unguarded for an entire night.

When Banksy started his art show and the pieces would get tagged over, some folks would talk about how New York graffiti does not take kindly to outsiders, but now, at the end of the month, its kind of like Banksy has taught New Yorkers how to behave around graffiti.

Click the jump for a closer look at Banksy's Inflatable Throw-Up.

For a Finale -- Banksy Claims Tops in the Graffiti World!

Folks outside the streets might not understand this last move from BanksyNY. Folks were talking about Banksy hitting the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. But Banksy's idea was even bigger than that. By culminating with a simple graffiti throw up, Banksy is saying that the BIG point about this month's exhibition, is to take graffiti to the next level.

Banksy definitely chose this spot on purpose. The building is filled with bombs from some of the biggest graffiti bombers in the world. Even before Banksy showed up, this was a graffiti Wall-of-Fame. Names like Nekst, Adek BTM and Lewy are as big as it gets for street bombers. And Banksy is above it all. Above all the other names, and all the other beef that writers are throwing around.

Also notice how Banksy employs a unique kind of shading with this piece.

Are all the graffiti writer's listening? Banksy is clearly talking a little shit while he is making his big point. Banksy is not just a street artist. He is also 'tops' in the graffiti world, as well.

Banksy Has Painted Wild Graffiti Cats Many Times Before

This is not the fist time that Banksy has painted wild graffiti cats. But his Bronx Wildcat in New York across the street from Yankee Stadium is Banksy's best yet.

Not only did Banksy use tags to fill in the stripes and animal print from the wild cats, but he also use the texture of the wall itself. After painting the tags, you can see in the upclose picture (below) how Banksy painted the wall, and then scraped off some of that work to add to the piece. Very impressive, and love the way the building itself is incorporated into the art.

There has been a lot of talk online about the words and tags that Banksy utilized in his New York Wildcat. There is clearly a peace sign, and a 'NY' for New York, and next to the peace sign, there also appears to be a gone over Cope2 tag. Cope has been shamelessly begging for attention from Banksy during the entire month Banksy has been in New York. Cope wanted it so much that he even posted a fake picture of a fake collab with Banksy, featuring a fat pig and NYPD over Cope's tag. And a lot of people think that Banksy might be tributing Cope with this tag, but unlike the peace sign and the NY the 'C' on Cope is clearly painted over. In the graffiti world, going over a tag is an insult. So not sure what Banksy was trying to do there? give Cope props? or memorialize him forever getting capped?

And yesterday M&F called out New York for not recognizing this new piece of art all day. It turns out that some locals saw Banksy paint this piece. It did not go unnoticed all day. Banksy did it in the middle of the afternoon, around 3:30 in the daytime. It took Banksy about 20 minutes to paint, and he did it all by himself, with no assistants or assistance. Boom.

Click the jump for more of Banksy's Bronx Wildcat

Banksy Takes On Wall Street?

Some new pictures just got put up online, reportedly showing Banksy's newest piece.

At first, this might look like a Banksy piece. But from looking closer at the art, this does not feel like Banksy. The shading is off, the market line is strange (wouldn't Banksy have it doing something, not just there).

Not Banksy. Just another someone clearly inspired by Banksy's month-long residence in New York.

Banksy vs. The Banality of the New York Times and the Mainstream Press and Modern Life ***UPDATE***

Andy Warhol said that an artist should not worry about what is written in the press, they should just measure it in inches.

BanksyNY's month long residency in New York has highlighted the many strange ways that people react to art. Throughout it all, Banksy has tried to incorporate many layers of meaning in each of his pieces. Still, the main discussion with the masses doesn't seem to get far beyond the monetary value of the art. But maybe its not the people's fault? Maybe, a HUGE part of the problem is the mainstream media. The mainstream media is so out of touch that it is hilarious. And the way that the New York Times has handled Banksy's New York invasion has shown that.

Banksy has steadily been building his buzz all month long. Banksy's art works and art stunts have gained the attention of every major news outlet.  Banksy's influence was so dramatic and heavy that for a couple of days in the month, the term 'Banksy' was the most searched Google term in America. Banksy is arguably the most widely recognized artist in the world, and so, as one of his final acts for Better Out Than In, Banksy submitted an editorial to the New York Times.

Now, this is where things get funny. The New York Times refused to publish Banksy's short essay, but the very next day they published a much longer article about Banksy. The article that was published included a banal run down of Banksy's pieces in New York, and how the people have reacted to it. The article completely ignores Banksy's editorial, until one of the final closing paragraphs. The space given to explain why Banksy's editorial was not published took up just about as Banksy's essay would have anyway. But the New York Times said that Banksy's essay "wasn't at all what we were expecting, so it was rejected".

This is the perfect example of how the mainstream news is, (28) days late, a buck short and missing the entire point completely. It was nice of the New York Times to join Banksy's month long celebration--3 days before its over (now that's great reporting!). Then they publish a bland and boring profile article about the artist instead of the incisive and incendiary words that the artist asked to be published--a buck short. Furthermore, the published article completely dismisses Banksy's ideas while trying to catch at the tail of Banksy's energy. This shows how out of touch the mainstream media is. The mainstream media is handed a juicy story, but they refuse to print it. If anyone wonders why mainstream print news is dying, its because of the news organizations themselves. The media has dumbed down the news to the lowest common denominator so that its not worth reading anyway.

Warhol wanted his media to be measured in inches, so to him, this would have been a victory. But Banksy is not Andy Warhol. Banksy is bigger than Warhol, and, once again, the greatest artist of the modern generation (--its worth mentioning that Damien Hirst spent this month body painting Rhianna--that is the type of art the mainstream media is comfortable with, but really who gives a fuck? Did Hirst's art change the world? Banksy's kinda did).  Banksy is not Warhol or Hirst. He is better. Banksy actually has ideas in addition to his art, and Banksy's ideas are worth hearing. Hirst can have Rhianna and his dots. Warhol can have his inches of print and his soup cans. Yes, Warhol can keep his inches, but please give us Banksy's wisdom.

Banksy dares speak truth to power. Banksy is anonymous like a super hero. And Banksy is our best hope against the banality of mainstream media and modern life.~

Stay up, Banksy!

***UPDATE -- The New York Times has published another long article on Banksy today. The new article says nothing new, and is loaded with cheap insults and weak comparisons to other artists. The author even has the gall to call Banksy's 'Sirens of the Lambs' his "most political piece", while the author completely failed to mention Banksy's unpublished editorial submitted the New York Times. Seriously, fuck you New York Times. You set the bar so low that you tripped. The NY Post has done a better job covering Banksy this month. You just don't get it, and while you don't get it, the inches of words you print are digging print journalism's own grave.***

A Closer Look at Banksy's Bronx Zoo

Here is a closer look at Banksy's Bronx Zoo graffiti leopard.

This location was listed on Banksy's website as Yankee Stadium, but this is not on the stadium itself, but right across the street.

The blue background and fierce spirit of this piece seems to make it a favorite amongst many fans. But perhaps the larger point that Banksy is trying to make by waiting all day to reveal this piece is that just like in the jungle, the wild cats are still blending in.

C'mon New York. After a full month of Banksy and this piece did not get spotted on the streets all day!? Big time fail. Banksy has opened eyes during Better Out Than In, but apparently still not enough to notice everything unusual in the Big Apple.

BanksyNY Brings the Bronx Zoo to Yankee Stadium!

People were wondering if Banksy was going to hit an iconic New York landmark site, and now he has. On October 30th, Banksy brought the Bronx Zoo to Yankee Stadium!

Good Thing BanksyNY's Art is Going to Art Lovers -- Now on Ebay

Gothamist published an article with the owner of Banksy's 'Grumpy Asshole' truck.

The new owner is not impressed. He says "For me, its worth nothing more than art on the other sides of the truck. I don't know art. To me it has no value. I can't appreciate that."

The owner is an Orthodox Jew, so he did not answer his phone all day on Sunday, allowing the truck to sit there all day. Even though it was unprotected, there was no vandalism, only fans writing their names in dust.

The owner is now trying to sell it to the highest bidder saying "I can replace the truck so it doesn't have value to me--but it has value to someone else". Apparently, this own can appreciate the financial value, even if not the artistic.

Now, wonder if there is some rich grumpy asshole willing to pay tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for a 'Grumpy Asshole' truck?

***UPDATE -- Banksy's Grumpy Truck is now on Ebay for $120,000. Or better offer. The asking price might seem like a bargain since Banksy's 'The Banality of the Banality of Evil' is currently above $300,000+.***

BanksyNY -- The Banality of an Art Auction -- ***UPDATE: Now Over $300,200!**

The auction for Banksy's art piece, 'The Banality of the Banality of Evil' is currently at $220,200, with 74 bids. This is after only one day of bidding, and still less than 24 hours into it.

Its actually kind of exciting to see these numbers jump. But the amounts are so ridiculous that it essentially like pretend money to most folks like you and me. But it is sure crazy watching those numbers climb!

Meanwhile, still waiting on Banksy's reveal for today. Usually, when Banksy has waited, it generally has meant that it is not a graffiti based piece, and also, something that Banksy wanted to last through the day without being noticed, before he claims it and the crowds go nuts. Stay tuned for Banksy's piece for October 30th!

***UPDATE -- The bidding has now jumped up to $300,200 with 83 bids***

Deeper Look at Twin Towers

Here is a return visit to Banksy's Twin Tower's tribute in New York City.  This stencil was one of Banksy's earlier pieces during this month, but now his later pieces with Banksy's unpublished essay submitted to the New York Times, and the 'Blocked Messages' stencil.

The New York Times refused to publish Banksy's words, but then the tabloids took the story and ran with it. Now, everyone is still talking about Banksy's letter and what he meant by it. The thing is, the level of discourse is disappointingly simple. Most of the online chatter seems to be about why Banksy cares about the way a building looks and if he has offended New Yorkers with his essay. But, that is not Banksy's point.

M&F believes that the bigger point that Banksy is trying to make, is that people and countries get judged by how they handle their trials and tribulations. And 9/11 was the worst terrorist attack to ever take place on American soil. So how has America responded to the tragedy? Banksy's point in critiquing the architecture of Word Trade One, its not just about the way it looks, its about what happened in the process. Instead of making America a stronger and better place after 9/11, the architectural complaints that Banksy is making about the building are really saying that the values America exhibited after 9/11 are not how to make things better, the values America has shown with World Trade One stand for corporate greed, compromise, and what-is-not-necessarily-in-the-best-interest-of-the-American-people. Banksy's letter is not simply about architecture, its about how America fumbled the ball after 9/11.

Banksy is not insulting New York. He is encouraging America to do better. That's what the flower means attached to the Tower in Banksy's art. After something bad happens, try to turn it into something beautiful. The World Trade One shows how America has failed.

If you still take offense to Banksy's letter, ask yourself, with everything that has happened since 9/11, is America better? or worse? -- Exactly.

Stay up, Banksy. Stay up, New York. And stay up, America~

Click the jump for a pictorial return visit to Banksy's Twin Towers Tribute--with pics from before it was defaced

New Spot, New Location, STILL Not Banksy

Geez, people. M&F tried to tell you all yesterday -- this dude is not selling legit Banksy t shirts.

Banksy's publicist has now confirmed that this dude selling 'I Am Banksy' t shirts has nothing to do with Banksy.

Kinda funny, like how all the 'die-hard' fans who know enough to recognize a Banksy (or so they think), but they don't know what the man or his plan is about. Bet, these are going to sell out again today. So, who's going to go and buy some more fake Banksy t shirts?

BanksyNY - Not Ratted Out

A lot of people have been wanting Banksy to return to his rats, something he has not yet done during Better Out Than In.

A rat just showed up on the streets of New York, but this rat is not Banksy. When did Banksy forget how to paint? Banksy is known for adding freehand highlights with shadowing and flairs to his stencils, but he doesn't forget major features like the face and tail.

Nope. Not Banksy. Just more mediocrity.

Clues Tucked Inside Banksy's 'Banality of Evil'

The photographer can be seen in the official photo released from Banksy's website.

This gives a slight glimpse at behind the scenes and clues as to how Banksy works.

Still, the details are difficult to make out. It the photographer a brown haired woman? Or a guy in a hoodie?

A Closer Look at Banksy's 'Banality of Evil' -- #Richpeopleproblems

Here is a closer look at Banksy's 'Banality of Evil'.

For more history on this piece, apparently it was purchased 2 months ago from the thrift shop for $50. And then it was re-donated earlier today with a strong suggestion of where to hang it in the front window.

The bidding on this piece started at $74,000. Perhaps that was to establish the actual value, so that any amount spent over that value by the bidders is tax deductible, since the its being sold for a charitable cause. So, these rich people get to buy a Banksy and save money! #Richpeopleproblems

The bidding on Banksy's painting is currently at $157,200 with 37 bids. Click the jump for a closer look at Banksy's 'Banality of Evil'.

***UPDATE -- the auction is now at $203,100 with 48 bids***

Banksy's 'Banality of Evil' - Up for Auction Now! -- ***UPDATE: 37 Bids Currently at $157,200!***

Banksy's 'Banality of Evil' is currently up for sale for sale at a live auction. Starting bid is $74,000.

It is signed, by both artists (pic below). It does come with a Pest Control Certificate of Authenticity.

Any bidders?

***UPDATE -- Yes. There are multiple bidders. With deep pockets. Only a few hours into the bidding process, and Banksy's Banality of Evil is currently at $157,200 and has received 37 bids. Stay tuned for more!***

Banksy's Banality of Evil - YOU Can Buy It!

Well, Banksy seems to be giving everyone who wanted the chance to buy a Banksy the chance to put their money where their mouth is~

Turns out Banksy's 'Banality of the Banality of Evil' is for sale and you can buy it. For real. Banksy's painting will be included in an online auction that will happen later today. As of now, Banksy's painting has not been posted. Will update as soon as it is. Proceeds from the sale will reportedly go towards helps AIDS research.

So, Banksy's painting is for sale. But a lot of people are saying that the Nazi ruins the aesthetic. Will this piece command a hight price? or not?

And, does this piece fit the theme 'Better Out Than In'. Seems pretty 'in' rather than 'out'.

BanksyNY -- The Banality of the Banality of Evil

Banksy finally released his art piece today. Its entitled 'The banality of the banality of evil ' and described as Oil on oil on canvas, 2013'.  Banksy says this was A thrift store painting vandalised then re-donated to the thrift store. 

This is one of Banksy's favorite tricks, the re-appropriation of an earlier painting.

So, does this now mean that the Nazi painting is for sale at a New York thrift shop?!

People Are Always 2 Steps Behind Banksy -- UPDATE -- This is NOT Banksy's Art Today

Banksy has not yet made his announcement today, causing many to believe he could be releasing a video or legal installation later in the day.

Meanwhile, many folks are speculating that this dude selling 'I Am Banksy' t-shirts in New York might be today's art.

Nope. Its not. But this dude selling shirts sure lucked out!

Still waiting (not in vain . . .) for Banksy's October 29th piece.


***UPDATE -- The T shirt seller has now sold out. Reportedly, people were buying 10 at a time, and he sold out. Folks are clamoring about the chance to score a authentic Banksy again. People, this is NOT Banksy's art piece for today. Guaranteed. How do we know for sure? There is no traffic cone. Boom. Tell your mom before she trades her thong for one. NOT Banksy's Tshirts. But a very lucky Tshirt vendor.***

StealBanksyNY

In the midst of Banksy's trip to New York, some folks have set up a website meant to capitolize on the financial aspect of Banksy's street art.

StealBanksyNY, with a tagline 'Better Ours Than Theirs', the site provides a map of all of Banksy's New York pieces with the word 'Free' at each location. The site even updates when the pieces are damaged or removed saying 50% off or 'out of stock'.

Looks like Banksy's Beaver is only 15% off. We'll take it!

So steal yourself a Banksy. Hurry, get it before MOMA gets it!

BanksyNY -- If Christmas Happened Every Day, It Would Be Hard To Stay Excited

Some people have started to say that Banksy's novelty has worn off. Well, if Christmas happened every day, it would be hard to stay excited. 

Those same folks seem to have begun to take Banksy's efforts for granted. Indeed, it seems that the buzz surrounding Better Out Than In has died down a bit. The peak seemed to be the week following Banksy's Central Park Art Sale.

M&F is exhausted from this month of mayhem, but we want to point out that this ride has been spectacular. Banksy's residency has made us fall in love with the streets, and Banksy all over again. 

Banksy could have remained elusive. He did not have to do this, but he took on this tremendous undertaking, and gave all the street art lovers an entire month of Christmas. Every day a new Banksy.  And what Banksy has taken on and accomplished in New York this month has been truly amazing. 31 days is a long time to do anything. Not every piece was a homerun for everybody, but each piece was a hit for someone. Banksy has consistently stayed fresh and engaging throughout the month. And he did it all on the streets that never sleep facing pressure from the police yet he did it all without getting arrested. Boom. 

Big thanks to Banksy for this month of Christmas in October. There are still 3 days left, and M&F is going to be cherishing each and every one of them~

Stay up!  And click the jump for a deeper look at more craziness surrounding Banksy in New York!