The Art of Banksy Exhibition Review
When:
25 March – 26 September 2021
Where:
Seven Dials, Covent Garden
Price:
General admission from £21.50
Image: @artbanksylondon
Known for his dark humour and politically-charged pieces, anonymous artist Banksy has been a dominate figure in the art world since the 1990s. Curated by Steve Lazarides, the artist’s former manager, the largest exhibition of Banksy’s work has opened for a limited time in Earlham Street, giving Londoners an opportunity to see many of his pieces up close. FLO brings you the lowdown from the preview event.
Located in a darkened basement near Covent Garden, ‘The Art of Banksy’ brings together numerous original works on loan from private collectors. Upon entry, viewers are greeted by darkened interiors, with black walls and strong lighting cast over the pieces as well as classic Britpop records playing through a speaker. Viewers are invited to journey through the artist’s career, observing early canvases and sculptures dating back to the late 90s through to the easily recognisable modern day murals that have popped up in cities across the UK.
A focal point of the exhibition, Banksy’s clever blend of the humorous and the political is referenced throughout, alongside his ability to completely change the tone of a piece with a single element such as is done in ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Christ with Shopping Bags’. Viewers also have the opportunity to view some of Banksy’s most famous works including ‘Girl with Balloon’, a piece known for being shredded at auction in 2018 after being sold for over £1m, symbolising the artist’s difficult relationship with the traditional artworld, as well as Rude Copper, a print from 2002 created in response to the 2000 Terrorism Act.
Viewers are also prompted to remember the numerous subversive stunts Banksy has pulled throughout his career including where the artist took 500 copies of Paris Hilton’s album and customised it, placing a sticker on the cover making mention of tracks including "Why Am I Famous?", "What Have I Done?", and "What Am I For?", songs Banksy had tapped DJ Danger Mouse to remix the songs.
The exhibition also tracks the numerous exhibitions Banksy organised including Cans Festival in 2008, a 3-day exhibition which featured the works of other graffiti artists and the notorious Dismaland in 2015, a dystopian theme park dubbed “the UK’s most disappointing new visitor attraction”.
An exhibition which brings together over 80 Banksy works, this is not one to be missed. Pre-book your tickets here
Location:
50 Earlham St, West End, London WC2H 9LJ
Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 10.00am - 6:00pm
Thursday - Friday: 10.00am - 9:00pm
Saturday: 9:30 am- 7:00pm · Sat 09.30 - 19.00
Last Entry 1 hour before closing
Words by Patrice Antwi and Emma Chadwick
