UK street artist Banksy, known for his anonymous and thought-provoking works, has announced his first official exhibition in 14 years. Titled “Cut & Run: 25 Years Card Labour,” the exhibition will take place at the Gallery of Modern Art (Goma) in Glasgow, Scotland. Spanning Banksy’s career from the late 1980s to the present day, the show will feature his iconic stencil works, often found spray-painted on walls worldwide, including in unconventional locations such as damaged buildings in Ukraine, a Los Angeles car park, an old prison exterior, and the interior of a London tube train.
One of the exhibition’s highlights will be a model showcasing how Banksy embedded a shredder into the frame of his artwork “Balloon Girl,” which infamously self-destructed during a 2018 auction at Sotheby’s London. Additionally, the exhibition will include notable pieces like the Union Flag stab vest created for pop star Stormzy and the 2017 painting “Basquiat being stop and searched,” a variation of which appeared outside a Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition at London’s Barbican Gallery.
In a statement, Banksy revealed his decision to exhibit these stencils, explaining that he had previously kept them hidden due to concerns about potential criminal damage charges. However, with the passing of that risk, he now considers them works of art deserving gallery display. Reflecting on his own actions, Banksy humorously questioned, “I’m not sure which is the greater crime.”
The exhibition will also offer visitors a glimpse of Banksy’s enigmatic persona. A display of the “artist’s actual toilet” will be available, along with strict photography restrictions. Visitors will be required to store their phones in lockable pouches throughout their visit, although staff will be on hand to capture the experience with complimentary Polaroid photographs.
To accommodate various schedules, “Cut & Run” will run from June 18 to August 28, with extended hours on weekends. However, the exhibition’s website cautions that heavily intoxicated visitors may be denied entry. Despite this, the event promises to be an immersive and engaging experience for art enthusiasts and Banksy followers alike.
Banksy, whose true identity remains a mystery, announced the exhibition through his Instagram page. A dedicated website has been launched to provide additional details, ensuring that visitors can plan their visit accordingly. With its unique displays and thought-provoking artworks, “Cut & Run: 25 Years Card Labour” is set to captivate audiences and further cement Banksy’s status as one of the most influential and elusive artists of our time.