Oh, Banksy. We love you for your tireless and infinitely wit filled street art bon mots, like that wonderful piece you created with the lambs last October. Many consider your commentary strictly subterfuge — the ramblings of a mad man who refuses to make his identity known. But we know better. Your work is seminal. It is political. It’s always smart too, not to mention occasionally a bit pricey.
But it’s all good. We’re super excited about your show this week, that unauthorized one, opening at Sotheby’s Sl2 Gallery in London, starting today. There’s going to be about 70 of your works, many never seen before, (ranging in price from £4,000 to over £500,000).
We had an opportunity to do a quick Q&A with your former gallerist, Steve Lazarides. Here’s what he had to say. Maybe you can swing by?
What do you think Banksy would say to this exhibition?
That he would hate it.
Do you think he’ll show (only you would know of course).
No, he won’t show up as he has never attended any of his openings.
What’s your favorite piece from this collection and why?
Avon and Somerset Constabulary – because it goes to the heart of his anonymity – which was always self-preservation rather than self-promotion.
Why debut this now? What was the impetus?
S|2 asked me to curate it and this seemed like the best time to do it.
What caused the split between you and the artist (for the masses to get the backstory)?
He ate too much cabbage.
What has Banksy meant to the genre of street art in 10 words or less?
Revolution.
On another note, who are some of your new favorite artists coming up next?
JR, Sage Vaughn, Vhils, Conor Harrington, Miaz Brothers, Brett Amory.
BANKSY: THE UNAUTHORIZED RETROSPECTIVE BY STEVE LAZARIDES
June 11, 2014 – JULY 25, 2014
SOTHEBY’S Sl2 GALLERY
Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Guantanamo Bay
Kissing Coppers
Morons Gold Frame
Napalm Can’t Beat That Feeling
Pest Control
UFO