Bandit - Warriors of the Art World

In celebration of Native American Month in November, Bandit aims to put up a new piece every day.

His first piece is called Warriors of the Art World, and it says 'We are not the rockstars of the art world. We are the warriors of the art world.

As for not being rockstars, M&F says speak for yourself! Lol. J/k. The line is something that this blog coined because we do believe that street artists are the rock stars of the art world. But we also agree that the best street artists are also warriors.

So stay up on the streets! Whether you are a rockstar or a warrior. Or, both~

Space Invader Arrested in New York City!

This is not rumor. The streets are hot after Banksy's month long artist residency, and, Space Invader got arrested last night in New York City. Seriously.

Today, the NY Lowdown published a story that Space Invader got arrested last night while installing this Snow White mosaic. The police took him into custody, and then contacted the property owner Mark Miller, who runs an art gallery at the location.

Not sure exactly how things work in New York, since the NYPD was saying it needed a property owner to charge Banksy with vandalism. The article does not say whether Miller is pressing charges or the NYPD. But Miller says that he plans on keeping Space Invader's art work. So if he is not pressing charges, who is?

This is not the first time Space Invader has been arrested. He has already been ticketed multiple times in Los Angeles as well.  

Banksy: A Revolution for the Biggest Art Movement the World has Ever Seen -- Street Art

Banksy's month long artist residency in New York is now drawing to a close. Banksy has rocked us, shocked us, and now he is trying to knock the art world upside the head. In his final audio, Banksy reveals his major ambition of Better Out Than In--to reclaim art for the outside, not the inside.

Banksy is truly the greatest artist of this generation. He has proven himself on the streets, in the galleries and museums, in the auction houses--and again on the streets. And the entire journey, Banksy did it all on his terms.

Street art is the biggest art movement the world has ever known. And consider these words from Banksy a call for revolution for the entire art world.  Check out Banksy's words of wisdom below:

Well, this is the last day of the show. I'd like to so we are going out on a high note, and, I guess in a way, we are~.

This is a sideways take on the ubiquitous spray painted bubble lettering that actually floats. Its an homage, or sorts, to the most prevalent graffiti, in the city that invented it, for the modern era. Or, its another Banksy piece that is full of hot air.

So, what does the artist hope to have achieved, with this so-called residency? Shame it didn't get any press . . . He told me, that 'if just one child has been inspired to pick up a can of paint, and make some art, well that would be statistically  disappointing  considering how much work I put in'. 

Its been an interesting experiment, but is there a cohesive message behind it? I gave the artist two minutes to think of one . . . 

Banksy asserts that outside is where art should live, amongst us. And rather than street art being a "fad", maybe its the last thousand years of art history that are the "blip" when art came inside, in service of the church, and institutions. But art's rightful place is on the cave walls of our communities. Where it can act as a public service, provoke debate, voice concerns, forge identities.

The world we live in today is run, visually at least, by traffic signs, billboards, and planning committees  Is that it!?! Don't we want to live in a world made of art? Not just decorated by it? 

Thanks for coming.~

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!

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 - 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 -- 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!

BanksyNY - Posin' Before the Art Gets Closed In

Yup. Folks love to pose with Banksy's art. At least before it gets closed in.

^And this girl can pull that pose wherever she wants and still get people taking photos! Click the jump for more

BanksyNY - Lost a Gig but Didn't Lose a Penny

Today, the NY Daily News reported that Manhattan retailer Century 21 had plans for an upcoming 'showcase' of Banksy's work. However, in response to Banksy's editorial regarding the World Trade One, Century 21 has now cancelled the 'showcase' Banksy art show.

Oh well. Its no skin off Banksy's chin. Banksy doesn't whore himself out for corporate gigs (unlike the majority of other big name graffiti and street artists out there). So even though Banksy lost the gig, this didn't cost him a penny.

In fact, its kind of like natural selection. After all, Banksy wrote some words of truth, and the corporate titans who couldn't handle what he had to say are now bothered? Well, good. Banksy's art is effective on so many levels~

BanksyNY - Maybe the Future is More Exciting

Banksy's 'Robosapien' gets boarded up already in what has become an expected and boring response to Banksy's street pieces in New York.

Apparently, the owner got talked into protecting the piece by all the Banksy 'fans'. Still not sure what the proper response to Banksy's street pieces is other than to let them ride. But what this circus has shown us is that the most boring part about Banksy's art is the response. Please Banksy, save us from us.

Maybe the future is more exciting . . .

Banksy - Spouting Off

Another cool animated gif bringing Banksy's art to life.

Dig it~


***Pic credit to CaptainHavoc for the animation***

A Closer Look at Banksy's 'Blocked Messages'

Here is a closer look at Banksy's 'This Site Contains Blocked Messages'. Like an onion, the layers of meaning keep unveiling themselves.

There are two additional major things to take note of with this stencil. First, the placement of this stencil is in clear view of Word Trade One, or Freedom Tower. So, it seems that this street piece was done in planned conjunction with the release of Banksy's editorial for the New York Times.

Which is the second thing to note. That Banksy officially released 2 pieces today, which makes up for the day missed due to police activity.

As for the crowd reaction, it seems like the number of people are dying down around Banksy's street pieces a little bit. Even the taggers seemed to have run low on their hater spirit? Guess this is an example of how Banksy's perseverance has outlasted the initial waves of hate.

Blocked Messages?

Rampant rumors are swirling that this piece in New York is Banksy's latest.

As of yet, this 'Blocked Messages' wall has not been confirmed on Banksy's website.

Teach Peace -- Thrashbird Style!

Teacher and Thrashbird team up on an impressive billboard takeover. The piece features a modified billboard with Thor now saying 'Teach Peace -- Thrashbird Style!'.

As if bombing a billboard in Hollywood weren't impressive enough, there are two things that are particularly noteworthy about this particular takeover.  First, notice the life size model on the billboard, posed as if trying to snap a cell phone picture of Thor.  Nice work, and also crazy to see the how tiny the actual is when compared to a billboard.  The other thing is the screen on the cell phone. Even though it looks like it, its not a real cell phone, Teacher actually painted the screen image! Dang! Talk about attention to the smallest detail on a massive scale.

If you want to see this piece in person, you can catch it along the way to Bankrupt Slut's show tonight in Burbank because this piece is on Cahuenga Blvd.

Dig it. Stay up!

Wheat Paste Wars

Shie 47 is taking his big time sticker game even bigger. Amping things up with a brand new campaign themed 'Wheat Paste Wars'.

Shie 47 is joined by El Nino.  Together, they are not in war against other artists, but against police, hero's, and anyone against fighting the good fight as a street artist.

Keep fighting the good war and stay up!

BanksyNY - The Grumpier You Are, the More Assholes You Meet

Banksy revealed his newest piece today. This one is not pretty as much as it is truthful.

The art is a simple tag that says 'The Grumpier You Are, The More Assholes You Meet . . . "

Its true. Is this perhaps a jab at any folks who have not been repeatedly impressed, day after day, for every day out of this month, during October?

Fuck yeah. We dig this one. Just when Banksy brings you flowers, next he reminds you that you might bump into death at any time, but then, while you're living, Banksy encourages folks not to be an asshole. Banksy's art probably demonstrates better morals than the Bible.

Stay up. And don't be an asshole~

A Closer Look at Banksy's Grim Reaper -- Brace Yourself

Here is a closer look at Banksy's Grim Reaper.

This is an installation featuring a life size Grim Reaper riding a bumper car to the tune of Blue Oyster Cult's 'Don't Fear the Reaper'. Also, there is a live accordion player.  Reportedly, the accordion player is the same dude who impersonated Banksy earlier this week. Some folks really seem to love this installation while others are calling it a cheap carnival-like stunt. But like it or not, this is art. Galleries and museums lust after the kind of attention that Banksy is getting.

Perhaps the most interesting angle of this piece is how this image originated for Banksy. When Banksy released 'Exit Through the Gift Shop', there was already a London based band using that name.  When the band agreed to give Banksy the name for his movie, Banksy donated a painting to the lead singer.  That painting featured this Grim Reaper image, and the bands new name 'Brace Yourself'. Today's installation is the 3d realization of the Brace Yourself painting.

Also, Banksy released a new audio for this on his UK website. The audio a good one~

Brace yourself, and click the jump for more of Banksy's Grim Reaper

Banksy's Late for a Date (with Death!)

Well, 15 minutes after today's piece was supposed to be announced on Banksy's website, yet still no official word from the man himself.

However, right at 6, this photo was posted by Banksy_London on Instagram.  Not sure if this is legit or what, but Banksy is late for his date (probably with death)!

. . . . The Crowd is Ready!

Banksy has not even officially announced what or where tonight's piece is.

But the Banksy Hunters in New York already know!  There is a crowd growing outside of Banksy's anticipated location.

Its almost time . . .

BanksyNY - You Reap What You Know

Banksy's New York residency has been a resounding success. But because it has been so successful, the city is on alert.  And often times, Banksy's pieces have been discovered by the public before Banksy makes the announcement on his website. Today could be one of those days. . .

A teaser shot has been posted today which looks quite a lot like Banksy's 'Brace Yourself' Grim Reaper piece.

***WARNING -- Teaser alert: the pic below is a tease both in showing what it could be, but not revealing more***

Also, Banksy bumped back the reveal time on his website til 6pm EST. Click the jump to check out the teaser shot