Here’s where to see art by the elusive Banksy close to home

The iconic and anonymous street artist Banksy may have been unmasked by a Reuters investigation this spring as Bristol-born Robin Gunningham, thanks to NYPD records of the tagger defacing a Marc Jacobs billboard in 2000 then signing the arrest report with his legal name. But like everything with the enigmatic provocateur, plenty of mysteries remain.

Two stunning clues to Banksy’s brain, if not his identity, are on permanent view in a free gallery space at the International House Hotel New Orleans, a grand Parisian-style boutique hotel between Canal and Poydras, three blocks from Caesar’s and Canal Place.

Katrina-inspired “Boy on a Life Preserver Swing” and “Looters” were salvaged by hotel owner Sean Cummings and art conservationist Elise Grenier in a years-long process. “Sean loves art made by rebels, so with this conservation we left as much of the original to speak for itself as we could,” says Grenier. “I feel so lucky to be a part of work that makes us reflect, that brought much-needed attention to the plight of New Orleanians, and that is so important to Louisiana.”

What connects Banksy to Louisiana’s story is not just the many 2008 works he left like stencil totems across the Ninth Ward. His art, like the indomitable spirit of New Orleans, displays hope in the face of hardship. Banksy’s “Umbrella Girl” is drenched by the very device that should protect her, but she holds her hand out to the sky, after all.

Acerbic but never cynical, these works ask big questions even when no fast answers are expected. Like all mysteries, when a new Banksy appears overnight, it arrives like a miracle. And that’s how great changes feel, too.

“Banksy’s message has always been, ‘These people, this city matters,’” Cummings says, as his hotel continues to connect New Orleans to cultural narratives. International House recently unveiled four Polaroids taken in the city by another legendary street artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and on May 3, it will add a portrait of Basquiat by local artist Jerin “Jerk” Beasley.

With other amenities like colorful bar Loa and sushi spot Kenji Omakase, the International House offers a one-of-a-kind getaway. Some might say picture perfect.