Banksy Does New York

Main Plot

"Banksy Does New York," directed by Chris Moukarbel, is a documentary that chronicles the renowned street artist Banksy's month-long residency in New York City during October 2013. The film captures the excitement and frenzy that ensued as Banksy unveiled a new piece of art each day in various locations across the city. These artworks, ranging from graffiti and sculptures to performance pieces, sparked widespread public interest and debate. The documentary explores themes of art accessibility, the commercialization of street art, and the tension between public and private spaces. It highlights how Banksy's work challenges traditional notions of art ownership and the role of the artist in society. The film also delves into the reactions of New Yorkers, who became amateur detectives and art critics, racing to find and document each new piece before it was defaced or removed. Through a combination of social media footage, news reports, and interviews, "Banksy Does New York" captures the cultural phenomenon that Banksy's residency became, illustrating the power of art to engage and provoke dialogue within a community. The film ultimately raises questions about the impermanence of street art and its impact on urban environments.

Characters

• Beth Stebner is a journalist who documents Banksy's street art, providing insights and context, enhancing the narrative of the artist's impact on New York City.
• Keegan Hamilton is a journalist documenting Banksy's month-long street art residency in New York, capturing public reactions and the cultural impact of the elusive artist's work.
• Jaime Rojo is a street art photographer who documents Banksy's month-long New York residency, capturing the evolving public reactions and the ephemeral nature of the artworks.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of the documentary, the focus shifts to the culmination of Banksy's month-long residency in New York City, where he created a new piece of street art each day. The final artwork, a series of balloons spelling out 'BANKSY!' on the Long Island Expressway, encapsulates the artist's blend of anonymity and fame. This piece, like many others, quickly becomes a site of public interaction and media frenzy, highlighting the tension between art as a public good and a commodity. Throughout the film, the public's response to Banksy's work is a central theme, and the ending underscores this by showcasing various reactions—from admiration to opportunism. The documentary illustrates how some artworks are preserved by locals, while others are defaced or removed, reflecting diverse attitudes towards street art and its impermanence. The ending emphasizes the elusive nature of Banksy himself, who remains unseen and unheard, allowing his art to speak for him. This reinforces the artist's critique of the art world and consumer culture, leaving viewers to ponder the value and ownership of art. The film closes by celebrating the communal experience and dialogue sparked by Banksy's work, underscoring its impact on both the city and the global art scene.