Pull Quote
“Nobody ever listened to me until they didn’t know who I was.”
~ Banksy
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida has come alive with a unique exhibit of Banksy art. The compilation of work from a variety of art collectors was curated by executive producer Michael Boersma. Regarding this exhibit, the Tampa Bay Times is quoted as saying, “He didn’t authorize the exhibit, but he KNOWS about it.” It is a unique opportunity to see the works of Banksy through September 27.
Videos and signage throughout the exhibit give one a unique look into the creative mind of this artist. Anyone familiar with Banksy’s work is aware of his political satire. One video, from the self-professed printer for Banksy, claims he knew nothing about the printing process but describes being handed a stencil and told to produce numerous copies in a specific color. Banksy would then ask him to reprint the piece in a different color not liking the result of his original request.
Banksy’s creations are deemed irreverent and ‘subversive’. They certainly make clear political commentary, and Banksy is definitively a voice of our times. As an example, Banksy went to Ukraine and created graffiti depicting normal children at play in areas bombed out by Putin (Russia).
If he wasn’t a ‘mainstream’ artist before, the “Girl with the Red Balloon” certainly raised his popularity (and that is before it went to Sotheby’s for auction!)
Photo by CBN Staff