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Banksy Unveils Singing Chicken Nuggets at New York “Pet Supply Shop”

By ARTINFO

Published: October 10, 2008
NEW YORK—Elusive British street artist Banksy has set up his first official exhibition in New York, reports the New York Times. Straying from his usual murals created spontaneously around town and from the typical setup of a gallery exhibition, Banksy has created an installation of sorts, a mock pet supply shop called “The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill.” The piece was revealed to the public on Wednesday at 89 Seventh Avenue in Greenwich Village.

After passing a sign in front that reads, “Open for Pet Supplies/Rare Breeds/Mechanically retrieved meat,” viewers enter a space filled with animatronic creatures and “animals” of Banksy’s own invention, such as fish sticks swimming in a tank, juxtaposed with real pet supplies that are not for sale. The artist released a statement through his publicist, saying: “I wanted to make art that questioned our relationship with animals and the ethics and sustainability of factory farming, but it ended up as chicken nuggets singing.”

The “store” will be open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight through Halloween.

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