Advertising Returns to the Graffiti Wall [Video]

The last billboard banner to span the side of 294 Bowery was for The Dark Knight. After its removal back in July 2008, the highly visible facade became dormant, ever so often attracting an errant tag. However, now that Shepard Fairey is heavily involved at the graffiti wall with his illegally-built target mural, the corner of Bowery and East Houston is even more of an eyeball magnet.

So it comes as no surprise that onsite advertising is making a comeback. Indeed, once the sun goes down, the white space transforms into a massive screen for moving-image commercial advertising. Friday night, the Wall Street Journal was busy promoting its new Greater New York metro section; Saturday night, Jaguar had the sponsorship.  Yet, even though the ads only run at night, they are decidedly more intrusive.  With all the distracting lights and crowds, this high-traffic intersection now feels more like Times Square.

The same spot on April 16, 2008:

And again on July 28, 2008:

[Photo Credit: EV Grieve]