Banksy Destroyed

Sad but true. After all the media attention this particular Banksy was getting of late due to the City Of Melbourne putting the piece behind plexiglass.... the Cocker Alley Banksy 'Little Diver' piece was destroyed overnight.

S'funny, how when no one knew what this piece was or its significance, it stood alone unprotected and untouched in the rat infested Cocker Alley. Now when it had become a bit of a Melbourne treasure... someone has come along and destroyed it.

Just a few weeks ago, another little known 'Little Diver' was painted over on Greville Street. Another one in a Prahran alley has also met similar fate.

There are still a few Banksy pieces around Melbourne, most notably the series of stencils at the Revolver nightclub, but it did sadden me to see the Cocker Alley one meet its untimely death...

Shame.

The Age: Melbourne loses treasured Banksy...

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Comments

johncarney says:

:(
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

The BigBlueCat says:

It is, indeed, very sad. Hopefully it can be restored.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

AEON sdm fly f1 fo says:

That's the way it is. There are thousands of artists who are better than banksy and their work is getting covered all the time. The media has built so much hype around banksy that it has made him a household name. I think people need to start worrying more about the art that we are loosing than the name. To be honest, he is lucky to have stuff last 5 years. That's rare in itself. But there are always dickheads who feel the need to do this.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Hellblazer! says:

Whilst it is true, the media hype concerning Banksy is vast - I do feel it is warranted because largely, his work is brilliant. It mightn't be the most artistic, but it is easily intelligent, witty, sarcastic and clever. Damn clever. That's what separates him from the rest. Couple all that with the mystique that surrounds him, and you have yourself a bonafide star.

It was inevitable that this was to happen to this piece. I was very surprised it lasted this long - but once the media started lavishing it and then the City of Melbourne moved to protect it... I knew its days were numbered.

It angered me to see it like this and the amazing Fafi piece in Hosier Lane which has been ruined by little fucktards with zero artistic skill or prowess. Let alone the incredible 'Gates of Hell' installation which was completely destroyed by morons of the highest calibre. But as you stated, it is the nature of the beast when it comes to street-art.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

The BigBlueCat says:

I'm with you, Hellblazer. While I agree that street art is transient in nature, you like to think the good stuff (like Little Diver) might stand alone and not be subject to mindless, wanton destruction. Banksy's stuff is very clever - more than just nice pictures - but it's in public spaces, so it's at risk.

Irony is that it's just around the corner from a Cop Shop!

Cheers!
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Mercyful Fate says:

yawn.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Hellblazer! says:

Come on MF, even King Diamond loves Banksy! ;)
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

louisa_catlover says:

sad..
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

pairadocs says:

LOVE the colors and texture in this. So awesome in terms of that... bummer about the Banksy piece.

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

ziz says:

but the artwork is by definition temporary, and the reference to the fact that banksy is no longer here and isnt from here are poignant enough, you cant respect "property"if your reputation is built on disrespecting property laws.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Hellblazer! says:

Not arguing with a solitary thing you say Ziz. The Banksy piece's days were numbered the minute it got the perspex protection. In fact I find the whole thing rather ironically poetic. The City of Melbourne is certainly sending out mixed signals when it comes to street art/graffiti. On the one hand they protect a piece of graf 'cos the artist is world renowned, and on the other they are quick to fine anyone with a spray can in their possession. What's it to be folks? Still, I adored this Banksy piece and it always brought a smile to my face everytime I crossed Cocker Alley. Sad to see it go but yes, it was temporary and alas, Banksy is no longer there.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

ziz says:

i dont think the city had anything to do with the perspex, i know there was some study that recognised it as a banksy and mentioned a few other bits around town that were worthy of recognition... , but the owners of the building covered it i think. The studies were just part of determining which areas of the city weren't going to be whitewashed in the lead up to the comm games.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Hellblazer! says:

I stand correct Ziz. According to this article it was the Nicholas Building's owners who installed the plastic.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

i make my own friends (littlepieces) says:

Regardless of the politics, I really loved this piece and it's a real shame to see it go in such a pointlessly destructive way.
Here's hoping the perspex comes down and new art turns up over the top - which is the way all streetart would prefer to go...
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Shida! says:

It was ruined when they put it behind the Plexiglass.
Whoever did this saved it.
Fuck the council,if they don't value local street art, they shouldn't get any value in return from it.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

i make my own friends (littlepieces) says:

agreed, it was destroyed the moment someone tried to attach a pricetag...
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

lisa e. says:

yikes!
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Aldoplus79 says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called L' Ile de la decadence (Edifici diruti, crepe, degrado urbano) , and we'd love to have this added to the group!

www.flickr.com/groups/lile_de_la_decadence/
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

masonstormhead says:

As was mentioned above the Council will jump on any other street artist but because Banksy has become so over hyped and his stuff goes for mega bucks they suddenly decided its "Legal Art" and move to protect it. Its ridculous when there are so many other great artists out there. Dont get me wrong I like his stuff but I dont think it needs protecting, surely the establishment legitimising his art goes completely against his and the whole graffitti artists ethos!
And I am sure he would have a good laugh at the Banksy Woz Ere overpaint.

www.flickr.com/photos/25770208@N03/2423047664 /in/set-7215...
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

therealshawnshawn says:

Well, its the true nature of graffitti to be fleeting and timely, hence it met its fate. I agree its a shame, but hopefully there will be a good piece in its place soon. :(

ShawNshawN
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Banksy Destroyed

Comments

johncarney says:

The BigBlueCat says:

AEON sdm fly f1 fo says:

Hellblazer! says:

The BigBlueCat says:

Mercyful Fate says:

Hellblazer! says:

louisa_catlover says:

pairadocs says:

ziz says:

Hellblazer! says:

ziz says:

Hellblazer! says:

i make my own friends (littlepieces) says:

Shida! says:

i make my own friends (littlepieces) says:

lisa e. says:

Aldoplus79 says:

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therealshawnshawn says:

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