This extraordinary collection of no less than 80 original pieces by one of the most intriguing and talked-about street artists in modern history will be displayed at Auckland’s Aotea Centre until 6 February.
The exhibition, curated by the artist's former manager Steve Lazarides, displays the largest collection of Banksy's works, including the famous painting of the girl with the red balloon, known as "Girl and Balloon", the controversial work "Laugh Now" – a famous graffiti piece that depicts a monkey with a sign hanging from his neck with the words: "Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge."
This prestigious exhibition of originals - all privately owned by collectors – offers a rare perspective for New Zealanders on Banksy’s world.
Banksy, who refrains from revealing his identity and does not appear in public, is a painter, graffiti artist and social activist, considered one of the world's top political graffiti artists.
Banksy's satirical art and his subversive messages, which integrate cynical dark humor, are done using his unique stencil technique. His various works, which aside from paintings also include sculptures and special displays, have been displayed on city walls, bridges and streets throughout the world.
Banksy has said that he decided to adopt the stencil technique while hiding from police under a garbage truck.
Over the years, Banksy has carried out a considerable number of "pranks" against the art establishment, including secretly hanging his works inside various museums around the world, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Britain museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Book Your Tickets Here
$2 per hour to a max of $12 on weekends and a $12 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more.