As Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Hanna raise concern, stencil-happy street artist Banksy commemorated the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by producing some of his painted social commentary in the ruins of the lower ninth ward in New Orleans.
Banksy's cloak of anonymity was finally withdrawn earlier this year. Per usual, Banksy's timing is impeccable--the completion of this project comes just as Hurricane Gustav threatened New Orleans once more.
Implications - Banksy said that he made the art because he wanted to make a statement about the big cleaning-up project that the city has taken on. The featured images showoff a bit of Banksy's incredible works.
Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Street Art
Banksy Paints New Orleans
Trend Themes
1. Hurricane Street Art - The rise of street art that commemorates natural disasters, their impact on society and the need for social commentary on the aftermath.
2. Anonymous Artistic Voices - The emergence of new talented street artists demonstrating their unique social commentary via street art. This trend also promotes art activism predominantly in urban spaces.
3. Art and Natural Disasters - The creation of public art as a means of reminding society of the long-lasting impacts natural disasters have on communities, as well as a way to bring about social commentary towards their prevention.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Opportunities for art activism, public art commissions and art installations in public spaces.
2. Tourism and Travel - Opportunities to showcase unique art and cultural experiences within impacted communities.
3. Social Advocacy and Awareness - Opportunities to raise awareness and funding for victims of natural disasters through art and its powerful messages.