New York City: The Ideal Canvas for Benny Cruz

Benny Cruz, an artist, believes New York City is the only place that accommodates his creative vision.

Initially, when Cruz picked up his paintbrush, he didn’t imagine that his art would catapult him into social media stardom.

“I’ve always aspired to be a painter, but there came a time when I felt stagnant,” he shared. The 49-year-old artist, originally from Sweden, reflected on his journey.

“That was a challenging moment for me, so I decided to start creating art just for myself,” he added.

Known online as “Your Local Benny,” Cruz discovered later in life that his artwork resonated with countless people, particularly New Yorkers.

“Most of my followers are from New York, and I’ve seen them start purchasing my art,” he mentioned about his subway-themed collection, pieces priced anywhere from the hundreds to thousands.

“It’s incredible to think about the transformation—I was once in a dark place professionally, and now I’ve found a sense of relevance thanks to New Yorkers,” he said.

Now based in Brooklyn, Cruz splits his time between New York and Sweden and has gained a foothold in the art scene after playing around with MTA metro maps and text-based creations.

His work, which incorporates acrylics and markers on eco-friendly paper, has started catching attention in Manhattan’s street art scene.

What began in a subway car quickly spread across social platforms, amassing thousands of likes and shares, reflecting New York’s past, present, and future.

“I felt total darkness before, and New Yorkers brought light,” he expressed.

“Living in New York fills me with gratitude; I aimed to channel my feelings through what’s iconic—like the subway,” he remarked.

Cruz’s prolific creations quickly became synonymous with subway-inspired art that feels inherently woven into the city’s fabric.

“Even New Yorkers seem to have embraced it, making it go viral. There’s a powerful emotional connection behind it. That’s likely why people resonate with my work,” he explained.

Cruz’s artistic journey took an exciting turn when he gained permission to paint on a “perfect” blank canvas: a truck parked outside on 14th Avenue. It features a message designed for daily commuters.

“I’m very high and I keep forgetting that I’m already living my dream,” reads the text, making for a vibrant backdrop for passersby.

He praises this piece as one of his most recognizable works, referring to it as a “donation to the people of New York.”

When asked about his favorite pieces, Cruz found it hard to choose. “There are a few, but I always gravitate toward the one that went viral online, reading, ‘New York, I have a lot to thank you,'” he noted.

Additionally, he loves another piece that says, “She has a soft heart, but she’s tough in New York,” which struck a chord with many of his female followers.

“New York is about connection, and art bridges gaps between people,” he said. “I feel more engaged with the city, and now many recognize my name or my art.”

In terms of legacy, Cruz admits that’s not something he particularly thinks about. “Honestly, I’m just focused on expressing my feelings. That’s the essence of my journey,” he stated.

“What’s truly changing is my relationship with New York—but for the better.”

Looking ahead, Cruz revealed that he is planning a significant art exhibition in New York for 2026, coinciding with his growing social media presence.

“My artwork conveys a message of aiming high, perhaps too high, that I sometimes forget I’m already living my dreams,” he concluded.