Banksy Does New York

Banksy Does New York is a 2014 documentary film that celebrates the renowned, yet enigmatic, guerrilla street artist Banksy, known for his thought-provoking and provocative murals. Directed by Chris Moukarbel, the film offers a compelling snapshot of a city in the grip of 'Banksy-mania,' a momentous period when Banksy transformed the streets of New York into a gigantic canvas, and his artworks became the talk of the town.

The film opens with the unexpected announcement of 'Better Out Than In,' an unprecedented city-wide artist residency by Banksy himself. The British artist descends upon the city, promising a unique exhibit of his art on each day in October 2013. This secret residency sparks a frenzy of public intrigue and sets the stage for a month-long scavenger hunt. Both hardcore fans and curious onlookers rush around the five boroughs following cryptic clues shared by Banksy through his Instagram account, hoping to witness and document this unusual event.

Both the everyday people of the city and the art community quickly find themselves in the grip of 'Banksy Hunt.' The elusive artist's work sparks varied reactions, from admiration and outrage to commercial exploitation, leading to some of the most fascinating public discourses on art, commodification, and privacy.

Banksy Does New York features interviews with wide-ranging participants in this city-sized exhibition, including journalists, art historians, collectors, and ordinary New Yorkers. This includes insights from Beth Stebner, a New York Daily News Reporter, and Keegan Hamilton, a US Editor at Vice. Their perspectives lend depth to the narrative and put Banksy's residency into a broader context of art, society, and culture. Jaime Rojo, a photographer and one of the co-founders of Brooklyn Street Art, also contributes his views and extensive documentation, sharing first-hand experiences of the event and offering illuminating observations.

Beyond simply documenting this singular occurrence, Banksy Does New York examines the intersections of street art, commerce, and digital media. The film explores the transformative power of technology and social media that enabled Banksy to democratize the appreciation and distribution of artwork, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like galleries and critics.

Every day throughout October 2013, Banksy would post a photo of his newly installed artwork on his Instagram account. This platform became an integral part of the artist's residency, catalyzing a city-wide consumption of art via smartphones, turning conventional gallery norms on its head.

Yet, the film does not shy away from showcasing the various tensions that this event sparked. From examining the controversial question of who owns public art to highlighting the dichotomy of an anti-establishment artist engaging with a culture of consumerism, the film paints a complex portrait of this moment in time.

Banksy Does New York is as much a film about Banksy as it is about New York City itself. Moukarbel flawlessly captures the excitement, the rush, and the diversity of the city, reflecting the energy and spirit of New York. Through Banksy's work, the film also provides a novel lens to view and appreciate the iconic city, showcasing its forgotten corners and diverse neighborhood settings.

The filmmakers have crafted a beautifully paced and engaging film that is an immersive journey into Banksy's world of art. In presenting a comprehensive month-long journey of discovery, this intriguing narrative examines Banksy's ethos and his impact on the city. It's an exploration of the role of art in public space, an examination of the tension between art as a commodity and art as a free expression, and a reflection on New York's response to a unique form of artistic expression.

The film also includes an impressive archive of fan-generated content, featuring diverse and authentic reactions to Banksy's work. This blend of professional documentation and user-generated content adds a unique participatory aspect to the film, further blurring the lines between high art and everyday life.

Banksy Does New York is an enthralling journey through a dynamic intersection of art, commerce, and digital media, seen through the lens of the world's most famed and elusive street artist. Whether or not you are familiar with Banksy or the world of street art, this film offers a captivating exploration of a city energized by a unique artistic event. By the end of the film, viewers might find themselves questioning their own understanding and perspective on art, ownership, and the role of social media in shaping our experiences.