This Looks More Like An Elephant - Banksy

Another M&F exclusive. This shot looks more like an elephant than anything else. Click the jump for more

BEST of BANKSY on MELROSEandFAIRFAX

MELROSEandFAIRFAX has been at the forefront of all the Banksy action in LA. In fact, we think we were the first internet source to post all four pieces and have had the exclusive jump on the action that has happened since.

It all started with a tip we received on the blog we hunted down Banksy's Crayon Soldier. We didn't know anything about Lauren Conrad's tweet at the time, like most internet sources, and even though she technically had the inside scoop, we were the first to launch the initial pics of Banksy's Crayon Soldier.

Before the thrill of the first Banksy had even worn off, we were tipped off on another Banksy- the Charlie Brown on Sunset, and we rushed over to take the first pics, and put QtipTheCat in the pics for good measure.

On the way home from Charlie, we snapped pics of what we thought at the time was just another impressive graffiti billboard takeover and posted them that same night. We were the first ones in the world to post these images, but had no idea that 'Livin the Dream' was Banksy at the time. The next day Banksy posted the images on his website and word got out that the billboard was a Banksy.

We had hardly got done posting that the billboard was indeed a Banksy when a viewer submitted pics of the pissing Bulldog. We blasted the pics out there not sure at the time whether it was a Banksy or not. It was, and we locked down the position of being the first internet source to cover each of Banksy's four new pieces in Los Angeles.

It has been a wild ride that did not stop with the discovery but led on to Charlie being boarded up, and then uncovered and drilled, and finally removed and put on ebay.

As if that weren't drama enough, Livin the Dream got taken down and respectable folks almost came to fists fighting over it.

And aside from all the pieces themselves, there have been all kinds of great community stories including rumors about other pieces by Banksy, Banksy getting spot-jacked, stories of dedication from the legions of Banksy fans, street art dedicated to Banksy's street art, not to mention good dialogue on the topic of street art.

But perhaps the coolest thing has been the way the community has flocked to MELROSEandFAIRFAX for the latest breaking news on Banksy, and not only find out about what's happening, but contribute to the making the story itself and submitting, what we believe to be exclusive shots of Banksy's Crayon Soldier before it was buffed.

It has been a wild ride, and we have only managed 10 hours of sleep the last 3 nights combined. It has been well worth it, and we have loved every moment of this chase. Huge thanks to all the viewers, followers, and contributors who have made all this magic happen!

And our personal guess is that there might be a new crop of Banksy street art in Los Angeles after the Oscars are awarded. Win or lose, we expect to see something. (But c'mon, no doubt Banksy is going to win! When is the last time people were talking about the award so much?)

Keep checking back to MELROSEandFAIRFAX for the latest, greatest breaking news on Banksy in LA.

JR in Los Angeles - 20 Pieces in 20 Days

We knew that international street artist JR was in town, but we had no idea of the scope of his plans.

The goal is 20 pieces in 20 days. LAWeekly has been granted exclusive access to follow JR to these secret spots, and they reached out to MELROSEandFAIRFAX to help share with the street art community.

It is so exciting, and like the Banksy scavenger hunt all over again! Click the jump for more

Banksy Crayon Soldier Buffed!

Well, not entirely, but parts of the wall were buffed off by the cleaning squad before any pics were released, even our first jump exclusives or Lauren Conrad's early morning tweeted pic.

MELROSEandFAIRFAX has just received an exclusive set of pictures that show the full Banksy piece before it was buffed.

As far as we know, these are the only full pics of the original piece anywhere in the world. Click the jump below for the full story and pics.

Banksy Gets Drilled

MELROSEandFAIRFAX went and snapped our own exclusive shots of the holes drilled around Banksy's Charlie Brown piece on Sunset.

There are holes and cuts made as if to remove a chunk from the building. Click the jump below for more

He's Baaaack! Banksy's Charlie Brown is Uncovered

Apparently, the masses have spoken.

A day after being covered up with plywood, the covering has been ripped down, and Banksy's Charlie Brown is once again viewable to the public.

Stay tuned to MELROSEandFAIRFAX for the latest Banksy news and exclusives, and click the jump below for more, and new pics with cool new angles.

Banksy is Top Dog

Here are some spectacular shots of Banksy's pissing bulldog. These have been submitted by Adolfo, and are some of the best pics of this piece we've seen.

Click the jump for yet another MELROSEandFAIRFAX Banksy exclusive.

4th Piece by Banksy? -Banksy is Top Dog

Finding the Banksy's in LA has become like a treasure hunt!

We have been impressed and astounded by the strong community being exhibited during the chase, and thanks to alert MELROSEandFAIRFAX reader Jessica Alidio, it seems the 4th Banksy might have been found!

Click the jump below for more details and location!

Banksy is Livin' the Dream!

According to the Wooster Collective, the impressive billboard takeover we posted last night was orchestrated by Banksy.

Maybe this impressive graffiti billboard takeover will help quiet Team Robbo and the haters, and give Banksy his long due and well earned street cred.

Our sources tell us that there are 4 new pieces of work from Banksy in LA, and MELROSEandFAIRFAX has had the exclusive first drop on 3/4. So there is at least one more out there to find!

Stay tuned to M&F for the latest and greatest from Banksy in LA, and click the jump for more pics and info.

New Banksy Street Art in LA (pt. 2/2)

Its Affirmed - New Banksy Stencil In Los Angeles (pt. 1/2)

Its official~

The biggest name in the game, Banksy, put up some new art in Los Angeles.

MELROSEandFAIRFAX has an exclusive jump on this piece. Click the below for more

New Banksy Street Art in LA

Preamble for the Oscars?