‘The Art of Banksy’ makes world premiere in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

An exhibition, which brings together famous works by mysterious graffiti artist Banksy (his real identity is unknown) made its world premiere in Istanbul on Jan. 13 at an exhibition titled “The Art of Banksy.”

The exhibition opened at Global Karaköy, a new gallery which officially opened with the exhibition. 

Curator Steve Lazarides said Banksy’s works made over the last 15 years were mostly unseen and had been finally exposed publicly thanks to the exhibition. 

“Banksy has many different works. Most of these works were not seen by people. I have collected them from collectors who made great efforts to reveal Banksy’s works,” he said. 

Lazarides said Banksy, with whom he had worked for 12 years, did not like be known, and for the first time, all of his works were to be presented to the public. 

Istanbul Entertainment Group director Kemal Gürkaynak said the exhibition was prepared by a team of 80 people over a year.  

Global Investment Executive Board President Mehmet Kutman said Banksy symbolized the good in the world, and added, “We wish a world full of peace, equality and hope. This is the goal of the exhibition. The other goal is to promote Banksy to our public.” 

World’s biggest Banksy collection

For “The Art of Banksy,” Lazarides has brought together Banksy’s most unforgettable pieces, displaying different installations and special collections accompanied by the latest technology. 

The exhibition showcases a special Banksy collection owned by Lazarides and brings art pieces collected from all over the world. 

The exhibition is the largest collection that has ever been brought together. Banksy’s “Girl and Balloon” and “Laugh Now,” along with 100 other pieces will make this experience even more special and extraordinary. 

A 20 million-pound collection is on display in Istanbul’s Karakoy neighborhood, a semi-gentrified neighborhood that is finding popularity with the city’s young and rich.

The exhibition features a recreation of London’s streets, allowing visitors the ability to visit a typical Londoner home and the street artist’s recreated workshop. Visitors will have to emotionally prepare themselves to be a part of Banksy’s world and understand his unnerving ability to get to the heart of the matter, creating strong controversial statements with poetic and energetic humor.

The exhibit is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is sponsored by Global Investment Holdings with the cooperation of IEG Turkey and PIU Entertainment. 

“The Art of Banksy” will remain open through Feb. 29.