While roaming the streets of Brooklyn, I must have come across at least 50 stickers proclaiming that “BNE was here.” They can be found on street poles, building walls and fire hydrants, leading everyone to ask the same question:
Who is BNE?
Not much about his identity is known. Aside from the fact that he is a New York-based graffiti artist, his real name and age still remain a mystery. However, his self-made brand is huge.
“B.N.E. has single-handedly created a globally recognized and valued brand in the new social economy,” said officials from Mother, a Manhattan advertising agency.
His stickers can be seen in major cities around the world, including Hong Kong, Prague and Bangkok. In San Francisco, former Mayor Gavin Newsom once offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest. Many civilians and city officials also continue to view his work as a form of vandalism.
With such a notorious reputation, BNE has been forced to live a life of secrecy. According to the New York Times, he never took a picture of his work and had to carry a prepaid disposable cellphone while on the job.
