Banksy won our hearts years ago when he mysteriously showed up on the scene, leaving street art that was at times a political commentary, pensive, and even humorous. Like Zorro or Batman, the calling card that was his art created quite the following. As with most graffiti artists, his work shows up mysteriously on the sides of unsuspecting buildings. Best of all, it’s free. It’s no wonder, then, that Banksy has inspired some imitators over the years. Banksy is one of many artists that have revived the interest in graffiti as an art form. He’s been praised for bringing art back to those who can’t afford gallery visits and helping to change the perception people have of graffiti as just “vandalism”.

Hanksy, one of Banksy’s more famous imitators, is an artist who mysteriously began to create parodies of Banksy pieces featuring Tom Hanks’ handsome visage. His work is silly and clever. It works so well because Hanksy isn’t just a prankster making the most out of one joke. Hanksy really is a big fan of both Banksy and Tom Hanks, combining two loves into one. We thought we wouldn’t see much of Hanksy lately, but the humor artist is back, and he’s branched out. He mentioned wanting to move away from Tom Hanks at his last gallery, and sure enough people soon spotted a “Ted Dancin’” and Bill Cosby touting “You had me at Jell-o" around New York. Even a Ryan Gosling “Drive-Thru" piece was seen by a grocery store on the lower east side. The faces have changed, but the puns really just won’t quit, and that's how we like Hanksy.

It seems the two are a part of a bigger project Hanksy is looking to complete. We expect a few more pop culture icons to pop up all around the city really soon. Although sometimes criticized for not being social commentary pieces, like the ones created by his inspiration and many before him, Hanksy's work inspires in its own way. Let's face it. Some days we could really just use a laugh, and Hansky provides them in the most unexpected places. We'll be on the look out for more to come in the weeks ahead!