The Art of Banksy

Overview

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2019 — If you haven't been to see The Art of Banksy yet, it's now too late. The unauthorised exhibition has closed prematurely due to the current high temperatures, which could potentially cause damage to the artworks. The exhibition was scheduled to run until December 1 — if you have a ticket from today onwards, a full refund will be made into your account.

When it comes to street art exhibitions, it really doesn't get any bigger than this. A retrospective of Banksy's has made its way back to Australia, featuring 80 of the artist's off-street masterpieces. Opening on Friday, September 13 at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter, The Art of Banksy is a massive collection of pieces by the art world's chief enigma — including the darkly satirical, overtly political work that has turned the stencil-loving artist into such an infamous icon.

Endeavouring to take audiences on a journey through Banksy's output and mindset, the exhibition includes the well-known Flower Thrower, Rude Copper and Girl with Balloon (a version of which was shredded after sale in a highly publicised prank late last year).

If it sounds epic, that's because it is. The art featured has been sourced from over 40 different private collectors around the world, and comprises the world's largest showcase of Banksy pieces.

As curated by the artist's former manager Steve Lazarides, the exhibition is also a little controversial. While every piece is original, unique and authentic, The Art of Banksy proudly boasts that the entire show is 100 percent unauthorised. No, Banksy hasn't signed off on the event.

This isn't the first time the huge exhibition has head Down Under, either. It was on show in Melbourne back in 2016, too — and you can check out our full gallery from that exhibition here.

Images: The Art of Banksy, Melbourne, 2016 by Olga Rozenbajgier