Banksy build an empire
We may have thought it bizarre viewing graffiti art in a cosy gallery in prestigious Knightsbridge 15 years ago, but this is where I visited the recent Banksy exhibition.
The space itself was intimate and understated – you could feel close to the controversial, political and witty work while being positively encouraged to use your camera.
There seems to be a growing appetite for Brit street art, with Banksy leading the charge. The adoption of urban art by established galleries has given it a new cultural and social gravitas as well as a bigger price tag. A Banksy mural originally commissioned by a club in Brighton listed a guide price of £150,000 - £200,000 at Bonhams recently. With street art now reaching these astronomical prices, it’s no wonder that some debate a loss of integrity or ask if it remains true to its cultural roots.
For me, being able to view his work in this environment makes it more accessible. For many years my experience of his work has been through books, the internet and newspapers. Many of us haven’t had the privilege of seeing his spontaneous and contentious work in the real world.
I recently read the anonymous artist is understood to be in talks with D&AD to take a senior role in the organisation. Could it be the top job left vacant by Michael Hockney last year?
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