Having already generated international excitement when it visited Melbourne, Tel Aviv, Auckland, Toronto and Miami, The Art of Banksy – the world’s largest touring collection of Banksy’s works has opened at the Entertainment Quarter in Sydney.
The Art of Banksy showcases 80 original works associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern history. These privately-owned pieces of Banksy’s works, include canvasses, screenprints and sculptures. Whilst the touring exhibition is not authorised by Banksy, the show is curated by Steve Lazarides, the artist’s former manager and photographer.
On display will be works from 1997 to 2008, the period which resulted in Banksy’s most recognisable and well-known works. Access to Steve Lazarides’ personal archive, photographs and art collection allows the exhibition to not only display iconic works like Girl With Red Balloon, Flower Thrower and Rude Copper but also gives the visitor a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creation of the artworks by Banksy.
“This is a one-of-a-kind exhibition. You will never again have the opportunity to see this many of Banksy’s works in one place,” says Steve Lazarides. “He is the most powerful and recognised artist of a generation, who has been completely ignored by the establishment thus far.”
“There is no reason why there shouldn’t be a Banksy hanging in every single major contemporary art museum in the world. I’m proud that together with the collectors we have been able to assemble this unique collection currently being presented in Sweden and soon to come to Sydney.”
Banksy, whose identity is the art world’s biggest secret, is an enigmatic artist and world recognised political activist. His graffiti-influenced stencil technique, often combined with anti-establishment slogans, is immediately identifiable and never fails to generate attention and controversy.
Over the years, Banksy has carried out a considerable number of “pranks” including secretly hanging his works inside various museums around the world, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Britain museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History.
One of the biggest stories in the art world last year was Banksy having his Girl with Balloon painting go through the shredder just moments after the work was sold for nearly $1.4 million at auction.
“Sydney audiences will not be disappointed with this explosive collection of Banksy’s works,” says James Cundall MBE, CEO Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. “We are delighted to have secured this rare chance to see so many of his most famous and controversial pieces under one roof. Whether you are an art lover or purely a fan of his work you will be fascinated.”
“The Art Of Banksy will serve as a welcome reminder of the explosive impact of the artist’s works, and of the powerful potential of street art. And that can’t be a bad thing.” – TimeOut
The Art of Banksy
Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney
Exhibition currently booking through to 27 October 2019
Information and Bookings: www.theartofbanksyau.com.au
Image: Banksy, Girl with Balloon (supplied)