March 2010 Cover of Time Out London Designed By Banksy (All Photos By Gail)
My first exposure to Banksy — the pseudonymous British street artist (some say consortium) whose irreverent works of socio-political satire have appeared in site-specific locations across the globe — was a visit to his October, 2008 immersive Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill. Located in a Greenwich Village, NYC storefront and filled with surreal creations both familiar and exotic, the installation was designed to look like a typical pet store, but with a twist. While there was no actual Charcoal Grill serving food, rather than selling live animals, the store featured a variety of animatronic pets, including fish sticks swimming in a fish bowl, ‘chicken nugget’ baby chicks and a rabbit applying makeup before a mirrored vanity.
Hey, did you make it to Dismaland? Neither did I, but here’s an exhibit you can see to help assuage your pain. Better In Than Out presents a comprehensive exhibition of Banksy’s artwork spanning a full decade. The exhibition includes works on paper, unique paintings and an original graffiti wall; including approximately 50 works beginning with an early-career canvas painting created in 2000 and rounded out by prints published in 2010. Most of these pieces we have seen before, but that’s what makes them classics! This showing of Bansky works celebrates the two-year anniversary of Banksy’s month-long residency in New York City.
Grin Reaper Series
Banksy has become synonymous with street art; legendary through controversy and mystique, the proverbial masked man has been prodding authority for over a decade while simultaneously inciting a palpable intrigue from the masses. By conveying his simple yet powerful messages, Banksy’s imagery from the streets has become iconography of today’s pop culture.
Pulp Fiction
Choose Your Weapon Series
Whether his subjects are that of social commentary, sarcasm, anti-establishment, mock-propaganda or a call for governmental anarchy, Banksy seems to capture an audience from all backgrounds regardless of sex, race, nationality, or economic status. Although nothing is safe from his wrath, it is safe to say that Banksy has propelled a unique following and market unlike any in the art world.
Strawberry Donut
Happy Choppers
As you can see in this exhibit, Banksy has created, and recreated, many of his famous images as paintings, limited edition prints (less than fifty total images produced), and even sculpture. Taglialatella Galleries’ Better In Than Out brings Banksy to you in exhibition form, displaying works that were created for fans and collectors to enjoy.
No Ball Games
Banksy’s Better In Than Out is on view only through October 31st, 2015 at Taglialatella Galleries, Located at 231 Tenth Avenue (between 23rd and 24th Streets) in the Chelsea Gallery District.
