Chasing Banksy

In the month of October 2013, the elusive Banksy hit the streets of NYC with a different piece of street art almost every day. I remember clearly that on October 2nd as I was getting ready for work, I had tuned into NPR and heard about Banksy’s “Better Out Than In” residency. The story goes from there, I commited myself to this one month hunt, which was extremely fun and exhausting. I rode many subway lines that I have never ridden and stepped foot in neighborhoods that I have never been in. It was more than just a scavenger hunt because along the way I learned a lot about NYC, street art, different neighborhoods, and even about myself. Who would have known. I met some great people during this adventure who taught me a lot about street art culture and how to network on Instagram. By the time I reached many of the pieces, they had been “buffed” out, stolen, auctioned off, and even hidden behind cardboard. Although I didn’t get to see six of his pieces for reasons I had no control over, I want to thank you, Banksy, for an awesome month and I look forward to your next piece of art!

I had to come back and add to two extra notes to this post. A year after the Banksy run, photographer Ray Mock published his book Banksy in NY, which serves as a sort of diary to everyone that experienced his residency in one way or another. My friend came upon a contest that was being held in December 2014, which would give away 5 books to people that entered a few of there Banksy photos. I was lucky enough to win a book and by surprise was even featured in the book on the Day 24: Waiting in Vain page.

A whole year later in December 2015, Lizabeth Zendel, an author and director, got a hold of me and asked if she could use some of my photos from the residency in her short film titled, Keep It Real: Banksy NYC. I agreed and was invited to her dinner and screening in Brookyln. Lizabeth was extremely kind and introduced me to her colleagues and even gave me a shout out during her Q&A portion.

Banksy’s residency was a highlight of 2013 that even resurfaced into the years to come. I have nothing but fond memories, fun stories, and even a book to look back on. Thanks again Banksy.