Blu and Banksy: Street Art's Divergent Paths Explored in Steve Lazarides Interview
In a conversation with Steve Lazarides, who once represented Banksy, the relationship between street artists Blu and Banksy is examined. Both artists maintain their anonymity. Blu, hailing from Senigallia, Italy, released "Blu Minima Muralia," a 288-page photo collection showcasing 200 murals created over 15 years, featuring only acknowledgments as text. Banksy, estimated to be 44 years old, saw four pieces fetch nearly €2.3 million at Bonhams and Sotheby's. Their collaboration took place in 2007 in Bethlehem, where they crafted a watchtower sculpture. Lazarides highlights their differing styles: Blu, residing in a camper in Rome, prioritizes activism, while Banksy leans towards irony and marketing. Unlike Banksy, who is a multi-million dollar blue-chip artist, Blu has never participated in an auction and last held a solo exhibition in London in August 2007.
Key facts
- Blu published the photo book 'Blu Minima Muralia' with ZOOO Print & Press, Bologna.
- Banksy's four works sold at Bonhams and Sotheby's for nearly €2.3 million.
- Blu and Banksy collaborated in 2007 in Bethlehem, Palestine, on a watchtower sculpture.
- Steve Lazarides worked with Banksy for 11 years and represented Blu in 2007.
- Blu lives in a camper in Rome and rejects capitalism.
- Banksy is considered a blue-chip artist worth hundreds of millions.
- Lazarides attributes Banksy's success to the internet's rise.
- Blu has not sold works at auction and last had a solo show in London in August 2007.
Entities
Artists
- Blu
- Banksy
- Steve Lazarides
- Andy Warhol
- Pablo Picasso
- David Hockney
- Caravaggio
- JR
- Alice Cooper
- Mao Zedong
Institutions
- Bonhams
- Sotheby's
- ZOOO Print & Press
- Artribune
Locations
- Senigallia
- Italy
- Bristol
- England
- New York
- London
- Bethlehem
- Palestine
- West Bank
- Rome
- Mayfair
- Qatar