Mayor Bloomberg doesn't care for Banksy's 'graffiti'

(UPI) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg is not entirely impressed with popular but elusive British street artist Banksy, who is currently serving a month-long, six-piece residency in New York City.

“I’ll leave it up to our Department of Cultural Affairs,” Bloomberg told reporters who wondered whether a mayor who set up an anti-graffiti task force could appreciate Banksy's work.

But look,” he added, “graffiti does ruin people’s property and it’s a sign of decay and loss of control.”

Banksy, who uses his distinctive brand of stenciled graffiti for social and political commentary, has already left several artistic imprints around the city, including a Twin Towers tribute adorned with a real orange chrysanthemum.

To Bloomberg, Banksy shouldn't be allowed to spray paint all over the city.

"Art is art," Bloomberg continued. And nobody’s a bigger supporter of the arts than I am. I just think there are some places for art and there are some places [not for] art."

"And you running up to somebody’s property or public property and defacing it is not my definition of art. Or it may be art, but it should not be permitted. And I think that’s exactly what the law says," he said.

But Bansky's work isn't always illegal graffiti. The unnamed artist recently set up a stall selling his actual pieces, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, for $60 apiece. Most people walked by unaware that the stall's work was authentic.