I’m not sure if it’s a New York thing or not, but I love that small business owners have artists paint the sides of their trucks with absolutely outlandish graffiti scenes. These panel trucks roam the city with just some hand applied vinyl lettering on the cab doors with the business name, address and phone number. (No website, never.) Meanwhile, the rest of the truck is completely covered in an unrelated piece of art. I like to imagine a giant nigh time parking lot filled with a gallery of panel truck masterpieces quietly sleeping. Upon waking they bump and stumble out to spread across the city, double parking for brief moments of revelation.

As to why this phenomenon occurs, I’m guessing this the old school tactic of embracing the “vandals” rather than fighting them. Just give the kids a chance already. And honestly, it’s a much better form of advertising. Home made, personal and unique.

Midtown, Manhattan.