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Borna Libertines – “Into the Shadows” (Single)

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Borna Libertines – "Into the Shadows" (Single)
Borna Libertines – “Into the Shadows” (Single)

This record features “Into the Shadows” twice – once as the main track, then again as “Into the Shadows Acid.” The second version takes the initial idea further, building on a feeling of unease and things left undone.

Borna Libertines, an electronic musician from New York City, dives deep with “Into the Shadows,” a track surfacing September 17, 2025. It’s a shadowy journey through inner worlds – those tunes born only within the artist’s imagination, forever unspoken.

“Into the Shadows” grabs you right away – it’s about those tunes artists start yet abandon, melodies haunting their thoughts. Because of this focus, Borna joins others in making electronic music less about dancing and more about what happens inside when someone creates.

This track arrives as a pair: “Into the Shadows,” alongside its remixed counterpart, “Into the Shadows Acid.” One version stands as the main idea, while the other twists it, heightening feelings of unease and lingering tension.

Borna builds stories through song, mixing bleak futures alongside raw feeling. Lyrics such as “Metallic hearts beat in exchange / Pulse is heavy, beats like rain” quickly conjure up a world of machines and steel. Visions of people “dancing in the dark, insane” under “black electric skies” recall late-night Berlin techno – those times nearing dawn where joy melts into unsettling thoughts, becoming one strange pull.

A tune stuck within, never quite released – that feeling drives the song. It speaks to the ache when inspiration circles endlessly yet stays unrealized. Anyone who makes music knows this well; we all chase after echoes of songs that slip through our grasp.

Borna favors a mood instead of sticking to patterns. Their work skips typical loud noises alongside expected crescendos. “Into the Shadows” builds suspense by piling on sounds alongside how space feels within the song. Lyrics hint at a restless beat – one that avoids predictability, leaving you constantly unsettled.

Borna clearly knows where techno comes from, evident in the inclusion of an acid take on the track. Lately, people have been revisiting that classic sound – those bubbling 303 basses alongside relentless rhythms – as artists blend history with modern ideas. Offering both cuts lets you hear the core themes shaped by distinct sounds; one feels shadowy and spacious, whereas the other is raw, built on tangible equipment.

It’s interesting where Borna fits into things, being an artist out of New York. Everyone talks about Berlin when it comes to techno, however New York actually boasts a long story with the sound – think back to the nineties raves, even now at those warehouse gigs. Artists here seem to inject a certain toughness into their electronic work; they aren’t afraid of harsher sounds or heavier feelings, likely because the city itself just doesn’t let up.

The music evokes swirling fog exhaled, silence that roars back, then a jolt like lightning. It feels like letting something out, a sonic release. Repeated lines – “Into the shadows deep we go” keeps returning – echo how techno works; it doesn’t need surprises, instead building intensity through small shifts, drawing you further within.

If you dig Phase Fatale, Regis, or Ancient Methods, this record – “Into the Shadows” – will resonate; it’s shadowy techno steeped in industry yet feels deeply individual. Borna doesn’t just mimic bleakness, instead injecting a raw, revealing honesty into each track.

So, does this actually work when people are experiencing it? Techno really comes alive from the mix of carefully made tracks alongside what happens right then – studio perfection meeting raw, in-the-moment vibes. You can almost see “Into the Shadows” fitting perfectly within a long DJ set; its moodiness unfolding gradually, drawing listeners into a trance.

“Into the Shadows” doesn’t try to please everyone; instead, it simply is. While many musicians chase popular tastes fueled by streams and charts, Borna made something bold – a song that asks you to really listen. Strangely enough, what isn’t played feels like the most important part, shaping every other sound within the music.

“Into the Shadows” offers a first glimpse into what makes Borna’s art tick, immediately revealing a unique sensibility. It keenly focuses on atmosphere, how sounds affect our minds, and moreover techno’s potential to convey intricate feelings. Emerging from New York’s electronic landscape, this record marks Borna as an artist worth noting – one who dares experiment with shadowy realms, choosing creative ambition instead of easy popularity.

This tune nudges you to think about the melodies stuck in your head, those projects left unfinished, notions lingering at the edge of thought. It’s more than simply a dance song; rather, it explores making things – how what we envision differs from what actually comes out. Despite tackling big ideas, “Into the Shadows” works, offering something to feel alongside something to ponder.

-Borna Libertines

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Banksy’s “Laugh Now” Artwork Theft: Art Crime Strikes Belfast Gallery

Laugh Now
Laugh Now

The recent theft of a valuable Banksy print from a Belfast gallery highlights the continuing allure and black market demand for the anonymous street artist’s work. A signed limited edition of the iconic “Laugh Now” print, valued at £95,000, was stolen from a gallery at Lanyon Quay in Belfast, with two men subsequently appearing in court charged with the theft.

The Theft and Court Proceedings

Two Belfast residents, Adil Hajjaj, 49, and Ahmed Bouazzi, 39, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court accused of stealing the valuable Banksy print on Wednesday. According to court proceedings, the theft involved a calculated approach where Bouazzi allegedly distracted a lone gallery employee while Hajjaj removed the artwork and placed it in a shopping bag[2]. Police apprehended both men approximately 20 minutes later on the Ormeau Road, recovering the artwork from a bag carried by Bouazzi[2].

The court’s decision reflected differing assessments of the two defendants. District Judge Steven Keown denied bail to Hajjaj, citing an “unmanageable” risk of reoffending, and remanded him in custody until May 2nd. Bouazzi, however, was granted bail with the condition that he not enter the gallery[2]. Interestingly, the defense solicitor for Hajjaj claimed his client was unaware of the artwork’s significant value, arguing that such a recognizable piece would be “too hot to handle” on the black market[2].

The Investigation and Recovery

The swift recovery of the artwork demonstrates the challenges thieves face when attempting to profit from stealing high-profile art. Recognizable works by famous artists often prove difficult to resell due to their notoriety and the close-knit nature of the legitimate art market. In this case, police were able to quickly identify and apprehend the suspects based on descriptions provided after the theft[2].

The “Laugh Now” Artwork: History and Significance

The stolen artwork represents one of Banksy’s most recognizable and culturally significant creations. “Laugh Now” first emerged in 2002 as a commissioned six-meter-long stenciled mural for the Ocean Rooms nightclub in Brighton, featuring ten monkeys in a line[3]. The original mural provided the template for later reproductions, including the limited edition prints released in 2003[5].

Artistic Elements and Symbolism

The artwork depicts a monochrome chimpanzee with slumped shoulders and downcast demeanor, wearing a sandwich board bearing the ominous message: “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge”[3][5]. While the majority of the image features clean, stenciled lines characteristic of Banksy’s style, the primate’s feet dissolve into dripping paint, reminiscent of wet ink on spray-painted murals[3].

The somber monkey with its provocative message has been interpreted as a powerful commentary on oppression and potential uprising. Art critics suggest it predicts that the downtrodden will eventually rise against their tormentors, possibly referencing the mistreatment of primates by humans for entertainment or scientific testing[3][5]. The piece brilliantly balances provocative social commentary with dark humor, a hallmark of Banksy’s approach[5].

Editions and Valuation

The “Laugh Now” print exists in several editions:

  • 150 signed prints
  • 600 unsigned prints
  • 69 artist’s proofs[3][5]

The stolen print, valued at £95,000, was one of the signed limited editions, highlighting the significant market value that Banksy’s work commands in today’s art market[2]. The artwork’s authenticity is certified by Pest Control, Banksy’s verification service[5].

Banksy: The Anonymous Art Phenomenon

Banksy began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has evolved into one of the world’s most recognized and influential contemporary artists[4]. Despite his global fame and the multi-million-dollar values attached to his work, Banksy has maintained his anonymity throughout his career, adding to his mystique and appeal[4][6].

Distinctive Style and Recurring Themes

Animals frequently appear as motifs throughout Banksy’s work, often serving as vehicles for commentary on society and humanity’s place within it[5]. The chimpanzee in “Laugh Now” joins other popular animal-centered works like “Love Rat,” “Barcode,” and “HMV”[5]. His art consistently features dark humor, satire, and subversive epigrams that deliver concise yet powerful social or political commentary[6].

Record-Breaking Auction Prices

Banksy’s works have achieved remarkable prices at auction. In 2021, his self-shredding artwork “Love is in the Bin” (formerly “Girl With Balloon”) sold for a record £18.5 million ($25.4 million) at Sotheby’s in London[4]. This followed the famous 2018 auction where the artwork self-destructed immediately after being sold, in what many considered the “ultimate Banksy artwork”[4].

Conclusion

The theft of the “Laugh Now” print in Belfast represents more than just a crime against a gallery; it highlights the enduring cultural and financial value of Banksy’s art. The irony of stealing an artwork that itself comments on power dynamics and oppression is not lost in this situation. As Banksy’s works continue to appreciate in value and cultural significance, they remain targets for theft despite their recognizability, making them difficult to resell.

The chimpanzee’s foreboding message—”Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge”—continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, speaking to power imbalances and the potential for dramatic social change. As this case proceeds through the legal system, it serves as a reminder of art’s power to provoke, inspire, and maintain value even in an ever-changing cultural landscape.

Sources
[1] image.jpg https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1743781831/user_uploads/ypVIYabNEkeOjtJ/image.jpg
[2] c5yrdpkn406o.amp https://www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yrdpkn406o.amp
[3] 10 Facts About Banksy’s Laugh Now | MyArtbroker https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/10-facts/10-facts-about-banksys-laugh-now
[4] Banksy artwork that self-shredded sells for record $25.4 million at auction https://www.cbsnews.com/news/banksy-love-is-in-the-bin-shredded-artwork-sells-record-25-4-million-auction/
[5] Buy Banksy Laugh Now | Meaning & History | Andipa Editions https://andipaeditions.com/laugh-now-by-banksy/
[6] Banksy – 20th Century & Contemporary Art Evening Sale in Association with Poly Auction Hong Kong Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Phillips https://www.phillips.com/detail/banksy/HK010121/22
[7] Shredded Banksy artwork sells for $25.4 million at auction https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/shredded-banksy-artwork-sells-for-25-4-million-at-auction
[8] Art Theft Statistics (2025): Startling Reality Revealed – Smart Locks Guide https://smartlocksguide.com/art-theft-statistics/
[9] How thieves sell stolen art https://www.startribune.com/how-thieves-sell-stolen-art/175655141
[10] Stolen artworks harder to recover amid rise in ransom demands, lawyers warn https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/09/23/stolen-artworks-harder-recover-amid-rise-ransom-demands/
[11] 10 infamous art thefts that kept the world guessing https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/stolen-art-famous-painting-thefts-a4002906.html
[12] 2 Men Are Charged With Stealing a Famous Banksy Artwork https://time.com/7021143/2-men-charged-with-stealing-banksy-artwork-london/
[13] Laugh Now (10), 2002 – Banksy Explained https://banksyexplained.com/laugh-now-2002-7/
[14] Laugh now but one day hi-res stock photography and images – Alamy https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/laugh-now-but-one-day.html
[15] Laugh Now, 2003 – Banksy Explained https://banksyexplained.com/laugh-now-2003/
[16] Tracking recent trends in the International market for art theft https://www.academia.edu/96059729/Tracking_recent_trends_in_the_International_market_for_art_theft
[17] The Black Market For Stolen Art http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2019/05/the-black-market-for-stolen-art.html
[18] What It Takes to Recover a Stolen Work of Art https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-what-it-takes-to-recover-a-stolen-work-of-art
[19] The Art of Banksy Humour—Satire, Spray Paint & the Politics Beneath the Punchline https://maddoxgallery.com/news/421-the-art-of-banksy-humour-and-politics/
[20] These Banksy prints have just fetched more than £400,000 at auction https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/banksy-prints-sell-for-ps435-000-at-auction-10011789.html
[21] Laugh Now by Banksy Background & Meaning | MyArtBroker https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/series-laugh-now
[22] Shredded Banksy Artwork Sells for $25.4 Million at Auction https://www.nbcboston.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/shredded-banksy-artwork-sells-for-25-4-million-at-auction/2516982/?os=vbLhPdr7HY
[23] Laugh Now, 2006 – Banksy Explained https://banksyexplained.com/laugh-now-2006/
[24] Laugh Now, 2000 – Banksy Explained https://banksyexplained.com/laugh-now-2000/
[25] Phillips Auction House to Accept Crypto for Banksy Artwork Sale https://www.coindesk.com/business/2021/05/07/phillips-auction-house-to-accept-crypto-for-banksy-artwork-sale
[26] A Guide to Banksy’s Monkeys | Guide | MyArtBroker https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-banksy/guides/a-guide-to-banksys-monkeys
[27] Laugh Now | Banksy | 2022 | Sotheby’s https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/banksy-2/laugh-now-2
[28] Banksy | Laugh Now (2005) | Artsy https://www.artsy.net/artwork/banksy-laugh-now-97
[29] FACES OF ART: “Laugh now but one day we’ll be in charge”. Modern social problems in Banksy’s art https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/faces-of-art-laugh-now-but-one-day-well-be-in-charge-modern-social-problems-in-banksys-art-A-52908
[30] Buyer of $1.4 million Banksy painting describes her reaction when it self-destructed https://www.cbsnews.com/news/banksy-painting-shredded-buyer-describes-her-reaction-when-artwork-self-destructed-at-auction/
[31] Legendary Art Theft Cases We Cannot Forget | Widewalls https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/art-theft-cases
[32] Suspended prison sentence and €30,000 fine for Banksy theft in Paris https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/06/20/suspended-prison-sentence-and-30000-fine-for-banksy-theft-in-paris
[33] How technology is changing the way we tackle art theft | Apollo Magazine https://www.apollo-magazine.com/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-tackle-art-theft/
[34] The art market: A victim of its own success https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/art-market-victim-its-own-success
[35] In Art Recovery, Cash May Be the Deciding Factor https://observer.com/2023/11/in-art-recovery-cash-may-be-the-deciding-factor/
[36] The 10 most infamous art thefts and heists of all time https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-10-infamous-art-thefts-of-all-time/
[37] Gallery manager ‘horrified’ by theft of Banksy artwork https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-banksy-kingston-crown-court-police-metropolitan-police-b1181940.html
[38] Art and crime – the dark side of the antiquities trade https://www.euronews.com/business/2022/04/13/art-and-crime-the-dark-side-of-the-antiquities-trade
[39] Finding Buyers for Stolen Art https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=235770&page=1
[40] Top Ten Art Thefts https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/lawandarts/announcement/view/237
[41] Banksy’s Bataclan mural was stolen, now the thieves are facing trial https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/06/08/thieves-who-stole-banksy-s-bataclan-mural-go-on-trial-in-paris
[42] From Rarity To Illegality: Delving Into The Black Market For Antiques https://financialcrimeacademy.org/black-market-for-antiques/

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Borna Libertines

Borna Libertines is an artist who creates mixed-media collages by reconstituting torn-up snatches of popular artifacts, some of which depict advertisements. His compositions feature text, pure blocks of color, commercial imagery, and graffiti placement, all remixed to convey humor, eroticism, and sociopolitical critique.

Borna builds posters in which one has been placed over another or others, and the top poster or posters have been ripped, revealing to a greater or lesser degree the poster or posters underneath.

This radical re-appropriation of an otherwise ordinary material enables him to capture the spirit of the times and the image of a society driven by communication which expresses itself above all through its obsession with current affairs and the omnipresence of the media. His art brings the streetscape into the space.

Art is dangerous do not attempt at home by Borna Libertines. Painted in 2024.

borna libertines
Borna Libertines
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Best Fashion Collection in Town

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