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Banksy and You

The still-anonymous Banksy (rumoured to go by the first name of Robert or Robin and thought to be from Bristol) pulled off quite a heist in late 2021. His piece Love is in the Bin, which famously self-destructed at a Sotheby's auction several years earlier, was put back on the block and fetched an astonishing £18.5 million. While original works by this elusive British artist aren't currently on public display, reproductions are on view from 30th August at The Mystery of BANKSY: A Genius Mind exhibition on the grounds of the Poznań International Fair.

An exhibition installation with a red and white subway car and a drawing on the wall depicting a masked man throwing a bouquet of flowers. - grafika artykułu
photograph: Dominik Gruss

As a graffiti artist and painter, most of Banksy's creations are found in urban settings, where he uses his art to deliver biting commentary on social issues, politics, and the world's elite. His work piques the interest even of those who might not typically engage with art. "With The Mystery of BANKSY: A Genius Mind, we wanted to gather the most iconic and striking themes in one place, creating a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with traditional museum settings, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality," says Oliver Forster from COFO Exhibitions. The exhibition will showcase over 150 pieces from across Banksy's career, including graffiti, photographs, sculptures, video installations, and prints.

The exhibition is curated by Virginia Jean, who believes Banksy's works "bring to light significant truths and issues in today's world that are often overlooked." She sees the exhibition as essential for anyone unafraid to confront art, politics, global events, and, most importantly, themselves. Some of Banksy's most famous works include images of rats and Kissing Coppers. He also once posed as an inflatable doll dressed in a suit resembling those worn by Guantanamo prisoners and placed it in Disneyland, California. Before the 2012 London Olympics, he painted an athlete hurling a missile instead of a javelin on a wall. And on the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, he staged an "apology" for the occupation of Palestine in the West Bank.

As a graffiti artist and painter, most of Banksy's creations are found in urban settings, where he uses his art to deliver biting commentary on social issues, politics, and the world's elite. His work piques the interest even of those who might not typically engage with art. "With The Mystery of BANKSY: A Genius Mind, we wanted to gather the most iconic and striking themes in one place, creating a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with traditional museum settings, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality," says Oliver Forster from COFO Exhibitions. The exhibition will showcase over 150 pieces from across Banksy's career, including graffiti, photographs, sculptures, video installations, and prints.

The exhibition is curated by Virginia Jean, who believes Banksy's works "bring to light significant truths and issues in today's world that are often overlooked." She sees the exhibition as essential for anyone unafraid to confront art, politics, global events, and, most importantly, themselves. Some of Banksy's most famous works include images of rats and Kissing Coppers. He also once posed as an inflatable doll dressed in a suit resembling those worn by Guantanamo prisoners and placed it in Disneyland, California. Before the 2012 London Olympics, he painted an athlete hurling a missile instead of a javelin on a wall. And on the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, he staged an "apology" for the occupation of Palestine in the West Bank.

mnl

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

The Mystery of BANKSY: A Genius Mind

Poznań International Fair grounds, Hall 1, open from 30 August to 15 December

Tickets: PLN 40-190

© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2024