Banksy fans are flocking to a Wellington exhibition of his works – even though it hasn’t been approved by the world-famous street artist.
The British artist is well known for his public murals that pop up out of nowhere, often with a politically charged message. But he also makes screen prints – sometimes selling them for very little, sometimes for millions.
The exhibition at Wellington’s Tākina convention centre is made up of 150 pieces – mostly screen prints – belonging to 43 collectors. Most are sold works, with a small number gifted by the artist, such as thank you cards to staff.
The exhibition, which has already visited 18 cities, is produced by London company GTP Exhibitions and curated by Michel Boersma.
Boersma admitted Banksy doesn’t like exhibitions that he hasn’t done himself.
“He doesn’t like exhibitions. I dare to say that of all the exhibitions he likes us, but it’s begrudgingly.”
Asked why Banksy has not authorised the exhibition, Boersma said the simple answer is that if he authorises it, it becomes his exhibition.
“It’s not his exhibition – this is a museum-grade exhibition that should be in a museum, but the museums are not doing it because the artist is not co-operating.”
He said all the work has been authenticated, either with a certificate that’s been issued by Banksy’s office Pest Control, or through detective work.
“The other way is documentation, checking with people close in the circle of Banksy.”
One of those people is Leonie Laws, an ex-girlfriend whose Valentine’s Day gift from Banksy features in the exhibition.
Her video testimony is part of the show, as well as that of Ben Eine, an associate and fellow artist.
“That would not happen without some internal approval,” Boersma said.
Banksy has previously been reported as saying he doesn’t charge people to see his art unless there’s a fairground wheel.
Tickets cost $46, and Boersma made no apologies for the price tag.
“It’s outside of his control. He has sold the work. In our case, he has sold every work. There’s a bill of payment and at the moment, it’s not his business. It’s the business of the owner, which is the collector, and they want the people to see it.”
Boersma is in communication with Banksy via email, but they’ve never met.
“I really like the artist, but the duality of the money side of things and how it is perceived by people – that’s two different worlds. And I think people are sometimes a little bit naïve about it.”
He said the impression that Banksy’s art is free is wrong.
“Even the street art on the street is not for free,” said Boersma, adding that the sale of Banksy’s art helps fund the operation.
“Art is business, and Banksy art is business.”