2 Comments Written by Jpeg on October 10, 2008 – 1:44 pm

From Banksy:

“New Yorkers don’t care about art, they care about pets. So I’m exhibiting them instead. I wanted to make art that questioned our relationship with animals and the ethics and sustainability of factory farming, but it ended up as chicken nuggets singing. I took all the money I made exploiting an animal in my last show and used it to fund a new show about the exploitation of animals. If its art and you can see it from the street, I guess it could still be considered street art.”

Four days ago, at 89 7th Avenue, New York, a small pet store opened. It emerged from underneath the noses of pre-occupied New Yorkers, who were most likely consumed by recent events on the stock market.

However there seems to be a twist to this little pet store. Instead of it being your usual cash-for-animal shop, this pet store is a mix between Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium and an art gallery.

Window display of a Leopard lounging on tree

As you enter the store it becomes obvious you’re in for a surprise.

McNuggets drinking barbecue sauce

Some nice family pets that won't mind being flushed

Banky’s first show in New York is sure to raise some eyebrows. The exhibition can hold only 20 people at a time and is less then 300sq meters in size.

In true Banksy style, unless you’re a hardcore fan or an extra-keen blogger, you wont even realize it’s his work.  There isn’t a single piece of his paintings or graffiti in the entire store.

From now until October 31st (Halloween!), Baksy’s pet store will be open daily from 10am until midnight. Go take a look for yourself.