Banksy has provided us with some of the most recognizable images of the 21st century, his bold street art mixing political and social commentary with dark humor. Part of what makes his work so effective is its particular brand of absurdist realism, inserting into city streets characters that whose presence seems both believable and transformative. So it’s fascinating to see British-born, Los Angeles-based photographer Nick Stern bring some of Banksy’s most powerful images even further into the real world, recreating Flower Thrower, Kissing Coppers, and more as photographs. See the series, which we discovered via My Modern Met, after the jump, and visit Stern’s website if you’re interested in buying prints.
Banksy’s Kissing Coppers. Photo credit: Nick Stern
Banksy’s Flower Thrower. Photo credit: Nick Stern
Banksy’s Maid. Photo credit: Nick Stern
Banksy’s Jesus. Photo credit: Nick Stern
Banksy’s Caveman. Photo credit: Nick Stern
Banksy’s Guard. Photo credit: Nick Stern
Banksy’s Mona Lisa. Photo credit: Nick Stern