It’s hard to imagine anyone not having heard of Banksy. In fact, I suspect most people could either recall an image of his or would recognise an image as his. Banksy, whose identity is the art world’s biggest secret, uses his art as political statements often loaded with irony or satire. His graffiti-influenced, stencil style artwork started to become noticed in the late 1990’s and the illegal nature of graffiti encouraged him to maintain anonymity. His hidden identity has since become as much a part of ‘Banksy’ as the art itself.
In the late nineties he met photographer Steve Lazarides who became his manager. Lazarides remained his manager until 2009 co-ordinating media, sales and exhibitions. At the time they parted company Banksy announced that there would only be one point of sale (Pest Control) to handle the sale of his work in the future.
On Friday 13th September an exhibition of some of Banksy’s most famous works from 1997 – 2008 opened at the Entertainment Quarter. Sourced from Lazarides’ private collection and private owners from around the world. The exhibition contains 80 original screen prints, canvasses and sculptures. The tour is not authorised by Banksy but is curated by Lazarides. Some of the iconic works on display are “Girl With Red Balloon’ (not to be confused with “Balloon Girl” that began to shred itself when the Sotheby’s auction hammer fell for its £1.04m sale in 2018), “Flower Thrower”, “Rude Copper” and “Pissing Guard”.
I was fortunate enough to attend the media preview and what I discovered was there was more to enjoy that just a glimpse at some of his works. Dotted throughout the exhibition are videos, quotes and fascinating insights into this legendary artist. For a moment as you leave you consider how crazy it is that these works are not hanging in museums throughout the world next to Warhol.. then you realise ‘of course they aren’t, these institutions are part of the very establishment he has been fighting all along.
The exhibition at the Entertainment Quarter is open now and tickets are currently on sale until the 27th October.
Photography: Lynden Jones
