In this day and age of camera phones and social networking sites, it is nearly impossible to maintain anonymity. This fact rings especially true for any person of public notoriety - actors, models, writers, and artists. But one man has managed to overcome this difficult task whilst displaying his artwork across three continents (literally) and distributing it globally through the publication of three art collectives. His most notable assemblage is “Banksy: Wall and Piece,” as it highlights the most provocative and distinct works of his illustrious career to date.

British-born Banksy began his career in an uncustomary fashion, executing acts of freehand graffiti in the early nineties. In his own words, “People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish. But that’s only if it’s done properly.” His work quickly spread from his alleged hometown in Bristol across all of England in a matter of years. Having shifted to a more stencil-based style, his art is largely characterized by huge murals questioning everything from politics to popular culture. Oftentimes, Banksy renders his questions from a satirical perspective. In doing so, he has produced works which are incomparable to anything I have seen before. Banksy’s true identity remains incognito because of the controversial nature of his paintings and his blatantly illegal displays of artwork.

Most artists aspire to one day have their artwork hanging in a museum such as the Museum of Modern Art or Metropolitan Museum of Art, both in New York. Banksy is no different…well, maybe just a little. In 2005, he entered both of these museums, amongst several others, and hung his artwork on the walls. The act went unnoticed since Banksy wore a trenchcoat disguise and in a few cases, his art hung on the walls for almost a week. Banksy has traveled as far as Israel to tag the West Bank Barrier, a wall spanning over 400 miles throughout Israel’s West Bank region. Along the wall he left his signature work nine times. A self-proclaimed prankster, Banksy has targeted Disneyland in the past. While there, he placed a life-sized replica of a hooded Guantanamo Bay prisoner in an orange jumpsuit as a part of the Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. The figure remained a part of the ride for ninety minutes before it was removed.

All of these adventures and many others, are chronicled in “Banksy: Wall and Piece” along with artist commentary as well. This book will not only dress up any coffee table; it will also reflect your consciousness of a very alive underground art scene. Anyone who is familiar with Banksy’s work will be impressed that you have the book, and anyone who isn’t familiar will be impressed with your taste. Do yourself a favor and check it out!