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Banksy targets smartphone culture and surveillance in new artworks

Saqib Shah
April 15, 2014

It seems that mysterious street artist Banksy has reappeared on the scene since ending his  month-long residency in New York City.

Two new pieces spotted in England signal that the influential graffiti artist is back in action, and this time he’s got his sights set on telecommunications and surveillance.

The first work – depicting what appear to be ambiguous government officials wielding old-school recording devices outside a phone booth –  popped up in Cheltenham, England, near the Government Communications Headquarters.

Possible Banksy Artwork Around A Telephone Box

Banksy has yet to officially claim the piece as his own, but experts like street artist Dice67 and Bristol gallerist Vince John told the BBC they’re “pretty sure” it’s the work of the famed street artist.

Not long after the Cheltenham artwork started attracting attention, Banksy posted the second piece – a portrait of two  smartphone-obsessed individuals in an intimate embrace –  on his website.

BANKSY

The location of this design  remains unknown, but we’re sure fans of the artist will track the spot down soon.

o-BANKSY-570 (1)

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About the Author

Saqib Shah

Tech/gaming journalist for What Mobile magazine and website. Interests include film, digital media and foreign affairs.

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