Big-ticket graffiti artist Banksy says he offered paintings for $60 in Central Park, got few takers
By David Simpson, CNN
October 14, 2013 — Updated 1059 GMT (1859 HKT)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Artist who never shows his face posted an elderly salesman at Central Park stall
- One customer bargained for half-price deal
- Total take: $420 for eight paintings
- Banksy’s paintings regularly go for six figures at auction houses
(CNN) — The famously anonymous British graffiti artist Banksy, whose work regularly commands six figures in art auctions, says he had a hard time moving his spray-painted canvases in New York’s Central Park.
Banksy, whose work began popping up on New York walls this month, posted a video on his website showing an elderly man — not the artist — working at a stall at the park Sunday. The selling price for each piece: $60.
The man sat, as people passed by the paintings with barely a glance.
According to the video, more than four hours passed before the first sale was made — to a customer who bargained to get two paintings for $60.
Missing Banksy mural found in Florida
Later, a woman from New Zealand bought two at full price, the video says.
And then a man from Chicago stopped and said, “I just need something for the walls” of his new house. He bought four more, Banksy’s video says.
The total take for eight paintings: $420.
The artist says he’s on a “residency on the streets of New York.”
His website shows photos of a truck he parked in various places around New York after painting the interior with a garden scene.
Paintings on New York walls include one of a dog urinating on a fire hydrant, with a cartoon bubble that says, “You complete me.”
Banksy never shows his face. He even asked for permission to wear a disguise to the 2011 Academy Awards ceremony where his documentary film, “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” was nominated. The academy said no, so he didn’t attend (as far as we know). He did not win the Oscar.
Devoted fans race to find his latest work in Britain, and the phenomenon moved to New York this month. Late-night TV host Stephen Colbert went so far as to broadly hint that he’d like for a Banksy work to show up on his studio wall.
But don’t look for him in Central Park.
His website said, “Please note: This was a one off. The stall will not be there again today.”
Continued here:
Banksy offers $60 canvases in NYC
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