Image via Complex Original
The prolific yet elusive Banksy has been shaking up the art world and defending street art in times where far too many are silent. He's continuously recognized for beautiful, political artworks that mysteriously show up on walls around the world, and most recently, for his Academy Award-nominated film Exit Through the Gift Shop. As many know, the very same greedy, throw-away culture he protests in his work, ironically contains the art dealers and clientele who excavate and reappropriate his work. Despite this, Banksy continues to make blatant, meaningful statements in his work about injustices worldwide, and there is perhaps no other artist today that does it so effectively and momentously.
We ranked and chose his 15 Best Recent Works according to their distinction from his works in total, their popularity, and the impact they've made since their discovery. Whether found in real world spaces or exclusively on his website, these recent pieces are symbolic of Banksy's influence and legacy, and will be loved, hated, studied, and debated for years to come.
The 15 Best Recent Works By Banksy
Shop Til You Drop Nov 2011
Location: London, England
Date Spotted: November 25, 2011
Painted at a dramatic height, this piece not only shows Banksy's real artistry, it also shows the level of dedication he has in situating his work. Even more so, it was timed with Black Friday, for which Banksy was no doubt making an anti-consumerist comment on.
Elephant Feb 2011
Location: Los Angeles, California
Date Spotted: February 24, 2011
The "This Looks Like An Elephant" piece is well-known by now and perfectly captures the tongue-and-cheek, literal humor that Banksy is so good at. This work made some noise in the art community after it was removed and speculated that a man had been living in the water tank. Whether Banksy knew about the man, or whether it's even true, are debatable, yet it brought a lot of attention to his work in Los Angeles in particular.
Sign Feb 2011
Location: Los Angeles, California
Date Spotted: February 24, 2011
This one was noticed around the same time as the "This Looks Like An Elephant" piece. The paint dripping down is a nice touch that intentionally reminds the viewer of Banksy's medium, its importance, and its impermanence.
Bush May 2012
Location: Unknown
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012
This may be one of Banky's funniest pieces to date and triumphs in how hilariously simple yet effective it is.
Heart May 2012
Location: Unknown
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012 (on his website)
This indoor piece is completely stunning, showing Banksy's real artistic prowess and ability to have amazing indoor and outdoor work. While the simplicity of his outdoor work causes many to question his abilities as a painter, this darkly whimsical, complex work should hush the skeptics.
Copyright May 2012
Location: Unknown
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012 (on his website)
This indoor piece is great at summing up Banksy's historically negative views surrounding ownership and copyright law, especially in the context of street art. Whether it ends up in a gallery or in the hands of a private collector, it's easily a signature work made excellent by the presence of cracked glass.
I Hate This Font May 2012
Location: Unknown
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012
I Hate This Font nicely transforms the partly brick wall space and is one of many great examples showing Banksy's use of typography and clever statements.
Origami Bird March 2012
Location: Unknown
Date Spotted: March 20, 2012
The well-placed, subtle origami bird is an example of some of Banksy's more hidden works, that aren't any less meaningful. The image of a paper bird eating a fish by this pond has many implications, and is overall a beautiful work.
Art in the Streets April 2011
Location: Art in the Streets at MOCA in Los Angeles, California
Dates: April 17 - August 8, 2011
While many were unsure if Banksy would take part in the landmark street art exhibition, Art in the Streets at MOCA, it was a welcomed surprise when he did. His contributions to the exhibition showed the variety and dynamism that his work has had over the years, in addition to the influence he's had on other street artists.
Out of Stock May 2012
Location: Unknown
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012 (on his website)
Again, this work quiets those who think Banksy lacks painterly skills. It geniusly combines abstract and literal painting with one of his famous type statments.
Liverpool 3 Dec 2011
Location: London & Liverpool, England
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012
Another update to Banky's website, the clever map is well situated on the wall space Banksy chose.
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Liverpool 2 Dec 2011
Location: London & Liverpool, England
Date Spotted: December 12, 2011
This is so genius, we don't even know where to begin. The security camera as the bird's head is priceless.
Liverpool Dec 2011
Location: London & Liverpool, England
Date Spotted: December 12, 2011
This textual piece reading "You don't need planning permission to build castles in the sky" is excellent and minimally on point.
Ballerina May 2012
Location: London, England
Date Spotted: May 23, 2012
Banksy recently posted this ballerina as a new piece on his website, and it's quickly become a favorite of ours, not to mention the entire blogosphere's.
London May 2012
Location: London, England
Date Spotted: May 14, 2012
This appears to be the latest Banksy piece, spotted on the side of Poundland on Whymark Avenue in London. It's supposedly a statement on child labor practices in the UK, however, Banksy suggests that he didn't realize he was painting on the site of an old sweatshop until afterwards.
