A new Unauthorised exhibition of the Street Artist Banksy is to open in Rome on 24th May. War, Capitalism & Liberty explores the contemporary issues through the artworks of the international Graffiti artist. This thought-provoking exhibition is to be held at Palazzo Cipolla and runs until 4 September 2016.
The exhibition includes extensive works by Banksy mostly coming from private international collections. Original paintings, prints, sculptures and rare objects will be displayed, many of which have never been shown previously. It is a non-profit exhibition, characterised by a strong educational and school-targeting component, which is a comprehensive scientific review of the artist.
As a street artist with his roots in Bristol, Banksy has influenced globally the urban art movement and is arguably one of the movement’s most notorious artist. The exhibition will examine how social and political events of our world are viewed through the street art of Banksy; from his motif of monkeys declaring ‘Laugh Now But One Day I’ll Be in Charge’ to the chilling image of ‘Kids on Guns’.
Co-curator Acoris Andipa said: “This is the largest collection of work by the artist known as Banksy, a corpus of over 120 works including sculptures, stencils, and other artistic expressions, all strictly from private collectors and, therefore, absolutely not removed from the street.”
Stefano Antonelli, who also curated the exhibition said: “Since the 1990s, the artist known as Banksy has used public space to express and exhibit his work, freeing the potential of graffiti and laying down a new blueprint for street art.
“Advances in internet technologies and image-sharing platforms have consecrated him as an idol for a new generation which has given him a worldwide fame. In the history of Western art, no other artist has managed to bring themes of this magnitude to the attention of a global audience.”
Banksy is one of most discussed, debated and acclaimed cultural figures of our age. His anonymous persona has captivated international audiences since the late 1990s. An urban artist, his media ranges from painting on canvas, screen-prints and sculpture to large installations and even the occasional livestock. His artwork reveals a unique mix of humour and humanity; it is created for the masses and affords a voice for those in – and indeed outside – of society who would otherwise not be heard. A recent example is his commentary on the refugee crisis and the after effects of Dismaland. His anonymity and refusal to conform mean that he is as difficult to nail down as is his artwork, and thus a survey of his works has never been officially or unofficially exposed in a private museum to a public audience.
The Fondazione brought together this collection – which is extensive and unprecedented – thanks to lenders from around the world. The exhibition will highlight Banksy’s great artistic skills, through all his career, underlining the main inspiration sources: WAR, CAPITALISM and LIBERTY.
WAR, CAPITALISM & LIBERTY AN EXHIBITION OF ARTWORKS BY THE ARTIST KNOWN AS BANKSY FROM INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE COLLECTIONS CONCEIVED, PROMOTED AND REALISED BY FONDAZIONE TERZO PILASTRO – ITALIA E MEDITERRANEO CHIRMAN EMMANUELE FRANCESCO MARIA EMANUELE CURATED BY STEFANO ANTONELLI, FRANCESCA MEZZANO, ACORIS ANDIPA
24 May – 4 September 2016 PALAZZO CIPOLLA – ROMA Via del Corso, 320