When it comes to street art, Banksy is probably the first artist that comes to mind. Sydneysiders will be able to see a massive exhibition of the infamous artist, popping up later this year.
Banksy has made a name for himself over the years for his satirical graffiti works, and also the fact that he’s incredibly anonymous so nobody knows who the fuck he really is. His most famous artworks are usually a political commentary. Anyone remember when he made Dismaland?
The upcoming exhibition will be curated by Banksy’s former manager, Steve Lazarides, and will feature canvasses, screen prints, and sculptures. You’ll be able to see his biggest works from 1997 to 2008, including Flower Thrower, Rude Copper and the notorious Girl with Balloon, which sold for $1.4 million at an auction last year before being shredded.
This will be the second time the exhibition has appeared in Australia, first appearing in Melbourne back in 2016. It’s also been around to Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Auckland, Toronto, and Miami. The show has caused some controversy over the years, as Banksy himself has unauthorised it, however this didn’t stop Lazarides anyway.
Speaking to Broadsheet, Lazarides said:
“The show is definitely unauthorised. One hundred per cent, completely and utterly unsanctioned. But if I didn’t break this work out of storage and collectors’ homes it would never be seen. I think a lot of the work he made during this period 15 years ago has more resonance now than when they were painted.”
The Art of Banksy opens on September 13 at the Entertainment Quarter, with tickets going on sale August 2. You can join the waiting list at theartofbanksyau.com.au.
Featured image via Instagram @banksy.
