Banksy Is Doing a ‘Residency’ on New York’s Streets Right Now

There's an audio guide and everything.

Matthew Watson
Published on October 04, 2013
Updated on December 08, 2014

The world's most famous and adored graffiti exponent, Banksy, has brought his style to America, beginning a month-long 'residency' on the streets of New York City. The British-based artist announced his 'Better Out Than In' exhibition on his website two weeks ago, and his attempt to host an entire show on the city's streets started on Tuesday, October 1.

His appearance in the city that never sleeps has created quite a stir. He appears to be creating a new work each day, opening with 'Manhattan', a stencil of two young children disregarding a sign declaring 'graffiti is a crime' and following up with the above artwork, titled 'Westside', written in his New York accent. The titles clearly hint at the location of the works and, combined with Twitter, allow his fans to track them down before they are vandalised or whitewashed (as was the case with 'Manhattan').

Perhaps most enjoyable for those able to visit the works is the availability of an audio guide. Each stencil is accompanied by a toll free number to call that provides a description of the work. In true Banksy fashion, it does not take itself too seriously, with one informing us that graffiti is "from the latin graffito, which means graffiti with an o".

You can keep track of the exhibition on his website or Instagram throughout October and enjoy Banksy's brilliance. Alternatively, fly to New York and take them in first hand. We certainly would if we had the cash.

Via Fast Co.Create.

Published on October 04, 2013 by Matthew Watson
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