New York magazine's senior art critic Jerry Saltz, whothe residency at the time, has never been a big Banksy fan, but he places his work above those of his competitors and imitators.
Banksy found a kinship with the city’s street art and punk culture, and was inspired by his visit. "He was like, 'wow, this is really something for me,'" Frigenti said. "He took something from the city, and [when he came back in 2013] he gave something from himself back to the city. And I think that is [why] the works of Banksy here are so unique and still resonating, even though we only have one piece left.
The only piece that remains intact in the city is "Hammer Boy," located just east of Broadway on 79th Street on the Upper West Side. It shows a child with a hammer, about to strike a hydrant in the style of a carnival "strongman" game. The only reason it is still there is thanks to efforts"They put it behind a glass, they take care of it," Frigenti said. "They have raised funds to protect it. It is venerated, like a fresco.
Cool
Gentle reminder for folks that at least half the artistry of Banksy's work is getting the work done while no one is looking. Imagine the craft involved in being both famous AND unknown.