‘You’re not Banksy, bro; this is not your balloon.’ Banksy Does New York ***** rozzer, Sky Arts 2017
On October 1st 2013 the street artist known as Banksy announced an artist residency in New York City. Banksy took over the city streets, exhibiting one unique work a day for the course of the month. ibid. caption
‘Banksy has never let anyone see his face.’ ibid. news
The integration of the street and social media. ibid.
In 2013, the building owners announced 5 Pointz would be sold and developed into luxury condos. The local graffiti and arts community began a legal battle to try and save 5 Pointz. ibid.
Starting on day 11, Banksy’s mobile installation Sirens of the Lambs was driven around the city, parking at New York’s landmark meat stores. ibid.
Each piece that was originally purchased for $60 is now valued at approximately $250,000. ibid.
All proceeds from the auction of The Banality of the Banality of Evil went to the Housing Works organization. ibid.
It’s all legal … I promise you that … We’re gonna go and acquire one of Banksy’s works [The Drinker] and we’re gonna hold it to ransom. The Banksy Job, AK47’s commentary, Sky Arts 2020
I didn’t realise then I was opening a fucking Pandora’s box. ibid.
I’m AK47, leader and front man of Art Kieda – we’re an art terrorist organisation. ibid.
I’m an artist. I live in AK47 world. My art is not to be bought or sold. I don’t do it for the money … I just do it to cause mayhem. ibid.
Arto-Politikal-Humourism: it’s artistic, it’s political and we’re taking the piss. ibid.
I’m conceptual: the first time I called myself an artist was when I stole a Banksy piece. ibid.
I kidnapped Tracey Emin off of the wall of the Hackney Empire. They wasn’t fucking happy at all. Especially when we sent it back and it didn’t work. ibid.
‘He went to the police. The piece became legally his and he put it in his garden. I understand Banksy had a bit of a sense of humour failure about this, which I slightly sympathise with.’ ibid. dealer
Banksy statue stolen from garden: The owner claims the statue is worth up to £250,000. ibid. Hackney Bugle mock front page
‘I don’t know whether Banksy had it stolen back.’ ibid. dealer
I am restoring this lost work of art, and without me, this piece will never be seen again. ibid.
You have Mark I cone with Mark II drinker.’ ibid. dealer
We’re going to return it to its original spot. ibid. AK47 to gang
‘From the Thinker to the Drinker to the Stinker.’ ibid. dealer, AK47 adds toilet seat to the Drinker