Bansky criticises one world trade center in rejected new york times op-ed

The graffiti artist, who is famous for remaining anonymous, described the building as a “betrayal” of America following the events of 9/11, dubbing it a “shyscraper” and “something they would build in Canada”.

“It so clearly proclaims the terrorists won,” he continued. “Those 10 men have condemned us to live in a world more mediocre than the one they attacked, rather than be the catalyst for a dazzling new one.”

The article was called “The biggest eyesore in New York is not the graffiti, argues Banksy, it's under construction at ground zero” but the newspaper decided not to run it.

“We couldn't agree on either the piece or the art, so it was rejected,” a spokeswoman for publication told CNN.

In response, Banksy published the piece on his blog.



He followed it with a post containing an image another piece - a message sprayed in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighbourhood:“This site contains blocked messages.”



Indeed, Banksy has been conducting an “artist residency” in New York in recent weeks, posting pieces on his blog, such as an “alternative New York bumper slogan” that reads: The Grumpier You Are, The More Assholes You Meet.

His installations include a Mobile Garden, a delivery truck that has been converted into a garden, featuring a rainbow, waterfall and butterflies. The garden has driven to various parts of the city every night. Another piece, titled Queens, comprises a 1/36 scale replica of the great Sphinx of Giza made from smashed cinderblocks. “You're advised not to drink the replica Arab spring water,” comments Banksy.

Yet another, titled Bowery, sees Death riding a bumper car.

 “He is looking for publicity,” former fire department Deputy Chief Jim Riches, whose son, Jimmy, was killed in the terrorist attack, said of Bansky’s piece. “I don't think anyone should care what he says.”

“Art is art, and nobody’s a bigger supporter of the arts than I am,” New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is quoted by The Daily Mail. “I just think there are some places for art, and there are some places (for) no art.”

“One World Trade declares the glory days of New York are gone,” concluded Bansky’s piece. “You really need to put up a better building in front of it right away. Or better still, let the kids with the roller poles finish it off.

Because you currently have under construction a one thousand foot tall sign that reads – New York – we lost our nerve.”

What do you think? Are you a fan of One World Trade Center’s design?