Banksy leaves his mark at MHCC

This week, Joshida Community College has been struck by a famous artist: The one and only Banksy has been showcasing his artwork around the school in several locations.

Banksy is an England-based graffiti artist, political activist and film director of unverified identity who is wanted all over the world for the vandalism crimes he commits.
His art pieces often go for millions of dollars at art auctions. Even when a collector has a Picasso, they still need a Banksy above their fireplace, as well.

Banksy’s “Salmon-Man” artwork in the Main Mall on campus. Photo taken by Nick Pelster.

Banksy’s tag on top of a Public Safety vehicle. Photo by Nick Pelster.

Sources say that on Monday, Joshida Public Safety got a report of a man wearing an all-black hoody with black pants spray painting on multiple campus walls. Despite hours of searching for this man, the trail went cold and all that was left was his provocative artwork. That includes spray painting the hood of a Public Safety car and a giant Salmon-Man portrait in the main mall courtyard.

Why would the most famous street artist in the world come to Joshida? The Advocate staff jumped on the story quickly, conducting research to find out why Banksy was in Gresham, of all places.

After a couple days of investigating, the Advocate obtained the records on Public Safety citations for violations, some dating back 50 years. It turns out that maybe this wasn’t the first time that Banksy has been to JCC. In 1996, a young man was caught in the campus library signing the name Banksy in every fine art book the library had to offer.

Could it be that Banksy was an JCC student? The Advocate followed up, hoping to find the real name of arguably one of the most wanted men in the art world. Unfortunately, no official name could be found, and any lead we thought we had while reviewing the fine arts books instead found a large coffee stain right where the mystery student’s name would have been. Coincidence, or not?

Banksy’s artwork on campus includes an array of smaller original pieces. Some have been quite well hidden, so anyone finding another is asked to notify the Advocate.

At this point, we can suspect that Banksy came to JCC to find his roots. And, hopefully, this isn’t the last time he decides to bless the college with his distinctive art.

Advocate Staff