What a coincidence it was! I happened to be visiting Toronto for a family reunion, when I stumbled upon a billboard on the way from the airport… it was a billboard for ‘The Art of Banksy’ exhibit! It was meant to be!
Firstly, Banksy is one of my favorite all-time artists. His work is poignant, succinct and universal, while being extremely clever. His works are so important for all to see… the message within one single piece transcends all boundaries and gets the cogs moving for meaningful changes in our wounded world of today… and he accomplishes that and more in a well-placed stencil for the world, without the fuss of a museum and its admission fee- essentially, art for everyone to enjoy.
The paradox of it all is that this was an exhibit in a museum. I later realized the exhibit was, in fact, an unauthorized exhibit curated by his ex-manager, Steve Lazarides. Banksy and Lazarides parted ways a few years ago, however, the exhibit boasts over 80 pieces from 2000-2011 (many recognizable pieces) from private collectors, making this the largest collection of Banksy’s brilliant works in one place. Above are some of my favorite pieces from the show… If you are in Toronto, this is a must-see… it runs until August 19, 2018 near the Landsdowne metro area. Be sure to “Exit from the Giftshop” … ha ha ha.
“If you want to say something and have people listen, then you have to wear a mask”– Banksy
Dress: Dior
Shoes:Gucci
Photos: Babak Bina and moi