The largest touring exhibition of authentic Banksy artworks sourced from private collectors around the world is currently at San Francisco’s iconic Palace of Fine Arts for a limited engagement. Though not authorized by Banksy or curated in collaboration with the artist, the highly-acclaimed "The Art of Banksy" features more than 100 original works by the elusive artist, including many of his most recognizable images including “Flower Thrower,” “Rude Copper,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Monkey Queen,” and “Girl with Balloon,” as well as many lesser known but equally provocative pieces.

Unlike other exhibitions focusing on this artist, "The Art of Banksy" only exhibits real artworks, authenticated by Banksy or with established and documented provenance. All works are created and sold by the artist to collectors; no replicas are on show.

On display are prints, canvasses, screen prints, sculptures, unique works, and limited-edition pieces mainly dated between the years 1997 and 2008, the period which resulted in Banksy’s most recognizable and well-known works. None of the works were taken off the street.

“The Art of Banksy" is a great opportunity to view the works of Banksy that would ordinarily rarely see the public eye,” said Michel Boersma, Founder and CEO of GTP Entertainment, producers of the exhibition. “All art works on display are original pieces created by Banksy and sold by the artist to private collectors who want to share them with others, rather than keeping them in private homes or warehouses. The collection has been brought together from various collectors in Hong Kong, Europe, the United Kingdom, and United States. Each piece has a certificate of authentication from Pest Control, the only official body that can authenticate any Banksy print, and are officially recognized as Banksy’s works.”

Banksy, whose identity is the art world’s biggest secret, is an enigmatic artist and world-recognized activist. His graffiti-influenced stencil technique, often combined with irreverent and inspiring political messaging, is immediately recognizable and never fails to generate attention and spark conversation. His artwork is composed of humorous stencils combined with anti-establishment slogans, making them easy to understand and relatable to a wide range of viewers.

North America presenter Corey Ross, CEO of Starvox Entertainment: “We hope viewers walk away from the exhibition feeling inspired. The past year and a half has been rife with stressors — from the COVID-19 pandemic and protests to the presidential election and economic crises across the globe. Much of Banksy’s art is a critique of societal issues, but for the ordinary person, creating artwork in response to personal and widespread problems is a fantastic form of therapy. We are extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to share these works with the rest of the world.”
"The Art of Banksy" is produced by GTP Exhibitions and is one of three The Art of Banksy collections curated by GTP. With over 330 original and authenticated works under its control — totaling a combined insurance value of over $120 million — GTP has earned an exclusive position within the art world.

Seen by over one million people, "The Art of Banksy" has generated excitement in Melbourne, Tel Aviv, Auckland, Toronto, London, Miami, and Chicago with rave reviews from critics all around the world.

“Most visitors love the show and value the opportunity to see the world’s largest private collection of Banksy’s work,” adds Boersma. “Not involving the artist also allows us to curate a more critical examination of his themes and works. Through his stunts and publicity, Banksy has become a public figure of sorts and this exhibit allows the public to reflect on the artist and his controversial work and ideas. Once our guests see the exhibit, the wonderful thing is the conversation that happens over a drink afterwards as they dissect what they have seen.” 

→ more info and tickets: banksyexhibit.com/sanfrancisco

Image courtesy "The Art of Banksy"