Unauthorized Banksy Exhibition Opens in Madrid

An unauthorized exhibition titled 'Banksy, genio o vandalo?' has opened at IFEMA's Pavilion 5.1 in Madrid, organized by Russian agency IQ Art Management in collaboration with Spanish company Sold Out, curated by Alexander Nachkebiya. The show runs until March 10, 2019, featuring around 80 works, including 28 original screenprints and 45 reproductions, mostly sourced from Lilley Fine Art – Contemporary Art Trade. Few unique pieces are present, such as lithograph plates, an autographed letter with drawing, and acrylics on canvas from private collections, including 'Monkey Surfing on a Bomb' (2000), 'Heavy Artillery' (2000), and 'Rose Trap' (2001). A wall from 'Stop ESSO' (2003), part of a Greenpeace campaign, is also displayed, reportedly valued up to €2 million. The exhibition highlights Banksy's journey from street art to commercial prints, with editions of 300 to 600 copies. It includes a video wall 'Banksy does the world' and a mock graffiti studio. The show aims to boost the artist's popularity, targeting a broad audience. Banksy's identity remains anonymous, and the exhibition lacks his authorization. The article questions the commercialization of street art, noting that Banksy's works have reached high market prices despite his independence from the art system. The exhibition coincides with a Jurassic World family blockbuster show by Sold Out at the same venue.