After wowing over 1.5 million people around the world and having already visited Wellington last year, 'The Art of Banksy' exhibit is hitting Auckland for one final stint.
The largest collection of original and authenticated Banksy pieces from around the globe will be here on our shores.
We’re talking over 150 artworks, from iconic prints and canvases to one-of-a-kind pieces we’ve only ever seen online.
Think, the ‘Girl With Balloon’ in four different colourways, including the rare Gold Edition, super rare sketches of Banksy’s infamous rats, and even personalised prints he’s made over the years.
The exhibit will be taking over Aotea Centre’s Hunua Rooms from Monday, July 7th to Sunday, August 3rd.
There’s also an incredible peek into his Dismaland days - a satirical twist on Disneyland - and a look at his more recent work acknowledging the ongoing war in Ukraine.
And while Banksy didn’t personally curate or authorise the show, every piece in the exhibition is the real deal – no replicas, no dodgy takings from the street, just art that’s been sold or gifted directly from the artist himself.
Curator Michel Boersma reckons this version of the exhibit is “bigger and better” than ever before.
“The last nine years we have been working with collectors in expanding the collection, which we are able to display,” he said.
“I am particularly proud that trusted associates of Banksy, for example Ben Eine, have been willing to contribute to the exhibit with their privately held works, gifts and hand-drawn sketches and video.”
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Daniel Clarke says it’s a huge win for the city.
“Banksy’s work consistently captures the public’s attention and imagination – over a million people worldwide have seen the exhibition – so to have this number of works on show is a hugely exciting.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been holding out to see one of these works up close and personal!
