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Banksy's Unofficial Show: Artist's Secret Battle Revealed
29 Jul
Summary
- An exhibition displays 160 Banksy works from private collectors.
- The artist's strict office, Pest Control, initially tried to disrupt the show.
- This unofficial exhibition travels internationally, showcasing Banksy's art.
An exhibition of 160 Banksy artworks, privately collected, has opened in Tampa, Florida. The show, titled 'The Art of Banksy,' was initially met with resistance from the artist's authentication office, Pest Control, which reportedly tried to disrupt its staging.
Curator Michele Boersma detailed a complex, evolving relationship with Pest Control, including direct email exchanges with Banksy. While Banksy did not curate or authorize the exhibition, his attempts to halt it have reportedly ceased over time.
This unofficial retrospective, which has been traveling internationally for approximately ten years, features prints, paintings, and sculptures. It marks the first time the exhibition has been housed on a theater stage, specifically Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
Organizers emphasize that 'The Art of Banksy' presents actual artworks owned by private collectors, differentiating it from other attractions relying on reproductions. Many pieces include certificates of authenticity from Pest Control, while others are supported by provenance documentation.
The exhibition aims to offer a comprehensive view of Banksy's career, showcasing works from different stages alongside the stories of their collectors. Despite the lack of official approval, organizers believe the show provides significant cultural value by keeping Banksy's art accessible.
