Banksy

From the BBC website(Full article here ):

'Graffiti art by the acclaimed artist Banksy on streets in Tower Hamlets is to be painted over.
Stencilled artwork from the guerrilla artist can be seen on walls across London, but Tower Hamlets is the first council to treat them as vandalism.'

Grafitti or art? it's a tough one with Banksy. I personally think it's an awesome form of public art; it's composed, usually witty and makes a point unlike most graffiti which is usually incomprehensible letters and 'tags'.

Whatever you think of his stuff though, it's undoubtably popular. (see the video in the right of the article) So popular in fact, that they've recently published a guidebook of his work in London. Think of the tourism they could attract to the area, and the inevitable money they would bring! It could be the novelty that sets Tower hamlets apart from the rest of London! A unique selling point! So quite naturally they should stick dogmatically to the law and wipe them away. Stupid. Bet the guidebook publisher's are kicking themselves...

I much prefer Bristol council's approach to his work (though i suspect their comparative leniency may have something to do with being Banksy's hometown) 97% voted for his most recent graffiti to stay where it is. Power to the people!

Incidentally i happened to see the piece in question when i visited some friends down there, here's my pic: