Banksy in New York

Book excerpt: Banksy in New York offers a first-hand account of his residency: the defacement and removal of his pieces, reactions from neighbors and building owners and interactions between Banksy's fans and foes. The author draws on his extensive knowledge of street art and graffiti in New York to assess the impact of Banksy's work from a cultural and art-historical perspective. Mock is as much a fan as a critic of the artist's work and delivers his account in the form of a personal narrative that is by turns insightful and humorous, paying homage to Banksy's wit and creativity while challenging the artist and his detractors to consider the true impact of his work. The hardcover edition of Banksy in New York features over 140 photos and illustrations on 128 pages as well as a new foreword by Brooklyn Street Art founders Jaime Rojo and Steven P. Harrington.