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Banksy, the famous street artist, may be British, but I understand, from reading media reports like this one, that he just paid Canada a giant compliment by saying on his blog -- of the magnificent, new, World Trade Center in New York City -- and I quote:

“it looks like something they would build in Canada.”

I couldn't be prouder. I almost don't want to quibble, but honestly, I think the new World Trade Center is a little too "out there" for Canada -- too flashy, and, at a height of 541 metres, far too tall for comfort! There's a reason the tallest building in Canada, First Canadian Place, in Toronto, Ontario, is only 298.1 metres -- better safe than sorry!

Banksy's glowing praise of the new landmark tower was not unequivocal. For one thing, he felt that two towers would have been even better. Displaying a surprisingly intemperate tongue, Banksy inexplicably declared that the terrorists had [somehow] won.

It's interesting that Banksy should bring up the terrorists. He may be a bit jealous -- al-Qaeda is still better at getting itself in the news than Banksy, but he sure is trying to catch up.

The media-savvy artist is still doing his New York City residence, creating an artwork each day somewhere in the Big Apple.

I'm not surprised by Banksy's display of respect for Canada. I think it's safe to say most British subjects have a warm spot in their hearts for my country (Canada). We're really kindred spirits, with many shared values, and both our countries spell the word "colour" the same way.

[caption id="attachment_6427" align="alignnone" width="497"] Banksy stencil on Melrose Avenue, and Orange Street, in Los Angeles, California.[/caption]

British street artist Banksy is kinda famous for his thought-provoking stencils. He might have started on the streets of London, England, but he's definitely global now. And Banksy isn't a graffiti artist anymore, he's an artist artist, and one who doesn't need a publicity agent -- he can handle that himself, thank you very much.

[caption id="attachment_6428" align="alignnone" width="497"] Banksy stencils selling in Central Park, NYC, over the weekend. The elderly vendor is not Banksy.[/caption]

His recent "residency" in New York City has been a public relations bonanza. Over the weekend, for instance, he set up a pop-up booth in Central Park on Saturday. On his website, Banksy wrote: "Yesterday I set up a stall in the park selling 100% authentic original signed Banksy canvases. For $60 [USD] each." The Guardian newspaper' item points out this is less than a tenth what his original stencils sell for in art galleries. Banksy's says the day's take was $420 USD. Earlier he made some noise with his moving installation "Sirens of the Lambs" -- a slaughterhouse delivery truck full of shrieking stuffed animals. But all of this is nothing compared to the video he's released on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsF3HspQY6A

Graffiti and street art: Banksy vs. King Robbo ►
Banksy makes himself scarce ►