Quote Of The Day: "Banksy Is Not My Definition Of Art"

Which powerful New York politician uttered these words about the infamous Banksy? Though the British street artist's month-long stint in New York has the city absolutely buzzing, one major Manhattan resident just isn't buying it. Click through to see who considers Banksy a "sign of decay."

Well, it's the Michael Bloomberg, of course! According to Politicker, Mayor Mike is just as anti-graffiti as ever, no matter how much the spray art is worth.

When asked about the guerrilla artist's recent work around the city at a press conference yesterday, Bloomberg stated,

"I’ll leave it up to our Department of Cultural Affairs, but look, graffiti does ruin people’s property and it’s a sign of decay and loss of control."

Considering the fact that his infamous presence has bred even more street art as a response by local artists defending their turf, Bloomie may have a point. He continued,

"Nobody’s a bigger supporter of the arts than I am. I just think there are some places for art and there are some places [not for] art. And you running up to somebody’s property or public property and defacing it is not my definition of art. Or it may be art, but it should not be permitted. And I think that’s exactly what the law says."

Here's hoping Banksy doesn't get stopped and frisked!

[Photos via, via]