For decades, street art enthusiasts have hunted for signs by unknown artist Banksy spray-paint on buildings, bridges and other obscure urban settings. But next year, when a show called “The Art of Banksy” comes to the Mile High City, Denverites can see more than 100 original works in one place.
According to an announcement on Thursday, the exhibition is expected to open on April 14, 2022, at an undisclosed location. Tickets ($29.99-$39.99) go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. via bankyexhibit.com.
The Mile High City is one of the first in the United States to welcome the show since its North American debut in Toronto in 2018, said show director Vicente Fusco. Since then it has traveled to London, Melbourne, Tel Aviv and most recently, Chicago.
The exhibition promises to showcase iconic pieces such as “Flower Thrower” and “Girl with Balloon,” which makers source from Starvox exhibits and GTP Exhibition private collectors. According to a release, all the works, which include canvases, screen prints and sculptures, were created between 1997 and 2008.
The show is not authorized or curated in collaboration with Banksy, but Fusco dismisses the irony of having the artist’s work in a gallery.
“Not many people know, but Banksy art has been legitimately sold for 25 years or more…. This is genuine art, certified art that belongs to collectors around the world,” he said. To go around the world and find Banksys on your own, you will have to travel to 30 to 40 cities. That’s the beauty of it.”
In a review, The Chicago Tribune called “The Art of Banksy” a show “by and for his fans, a true tribute to an artist who certainly wouldn’t want anything to do with it… Let’s walk you through the thing of trying to look like a cool, knowledgeable, artistic person.”
“But try it without smiling or taking a selfie. It’s not possible,” said writer Lauren Warneke. “Yeah, it’s a charm. $35 million amusement park. Maybe Banksy will like it after all.”
“The Art of Banksy” expects to be in Denver for at least a few months, Fusco said.
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