Banksy and fake meat invade the Village

The somewhat anonymous and obsession-inspiring British street artist Banksy has set up his first official show in New York City: a processed meat meets pet shop. Eschewing his characteristic rat murals for the project, Banksy has created The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill, a showcase of animatronic foodstuffs, packaged meat products, pet supplies and a monkey watching Discovery Channel primate porn surrounded by ravaged pizza, an empty pack of Marlboro Lights and a crushed can of Bud. Extending his critique beyond food, the Greenwich Village installation also showcases a very convincing fake jaguar, napping on a branch and lazily swinging its tail in the storefront window. The view from inside, however, reveals that the "jaguar" is actually a fur coat and a hanging belt. The shop sells nothing--at least not yet. A pet shop "employee" says eventually some things will go on sale--and will welcome visitors daily until Halloween. Plus, if you bring the kiddies, they can take a ride on the mechanical dolphin swathed in a fishing net outside the shop. Take a look at the specimens on show at Banksy's little shop of satire, below.

Banksy and fake meat invade the Village

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