The Art of Banksy Exhibition Toronto
The Art of Banksy Exhibition
Wednesday, June 13 – Wednesday, July 11
@ 213 Sterling Road, Toronto
Tickets go on sale May 12 at www.banksyexhibit.com
Toronto, ON – On Wednesday, June 13, Toronto welcomes the North American Premiere of “The Art of Banksy”, an acclaimed showcase featuring 80 original works associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern history. “The Art of Banksy” has already generated excitement in Melbourne, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Auckland. Now Toronto, having beat out both Athens and Stockholm, steps up to host this spectacular exhibit.
Banksy, whose identity is the art world’s biggest secret, is an enigmatic artist and world-recognized political activist. His graffiti-influenced stencil technique, often combined with anti-establishment slogans, is immediately recognizable and never fails to generate immediate attention. Banksy’s various works, which in addition to paintings, also include sculptures and special displays, are seen on city walls, bridges and streets throughout the world.
“The Art of Banksy”, curated by Steve Lazarides, the artist’s former agent, displays the world’s largest collection of Banksy’s works. Included in the exhibition are the iconic “Balloon Girl”, ranked in 2017 as “The United Kingdom’s number one favourite artwork”, “Flag Wall”, an urbanized take on the famous picture of soldiers raising the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima, “Laugh Now”, a witty piece depicting a foreboding message, and many other pieces, no less compelling and equally thought-provoking.
“This is a one-of-a-kind exhibition. You will never again have the opportunity to see this many of Banksy’s works in one place. Once the exhibition is over, the artwork will be returned to art collectors around the world, and the chances that they will be displayed together again in the future are extremely slim,” says Steve Lazarides.
The Toronto exhibition will be mounted in a raw space at 213 Sterling Road (Lansdowne Metro stop), an area described by BlogTO as “Toronto’s next big thing” and “a neighbourhood for art – contemporary art,” with neighbouring businesses including the new location for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Anansi Press, Henderson Brewing and Drake Commissary. This prestigious exhibition of originals – all privately owned by collectors – offers a rare opportunity for Toronto to enter Banksy’s world.
“Starvox Exhibits is pleased to bring to Toronto, the North American Premiere of “The Art of Banksy”. I am proud to be able to have a collection of this calibre as the first exhibit under our new business division and in association with Live Nation,” says Corey Ross, President & CEO, Starvox Exhibits.
“Toronto, with its thriving visual arts scene is for us, the perfect city to premiere “The Art of Banksy” in North America,” says Michel Boersma, Senior Vice President Family Entertainment & Theatre, Live Nation. “Together with Steve Lazarides, we have been able to assemble the largest collection of Banksy art ever exhibited, which is fitting for a world-class city like Toronto.”
Bell Media is the official media sponsor of “The Art of Banksy” exhibition.
Worldwide demand for “The Art of Banksy” is off-the-charts. Consequently, the exhibit is scheduled to be in Toronto for 4 weeks only. Advance tickets are available through American Express “Front of the Line” beginning Monday, May 7. General tickets go on sale beginning Saturday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. and are available online at www.banksyexhibit.com. A limited quantity of tickets will also be available on site at 213 Sterling starting June 13. Ticket price is $35.00.
PRESS QUOTES:
“This isn’t one to miss” – HARPERS BAZAAR
“‘The Art of Banksy’ exhibition says more about Banksy than Banksy ever could” – JUNKEE
“If it sounds epic, that’s because it is” – CONCRETE PLAYGROUND
“A fuck- off huge exhibition featuring the work of mysterious street artist Banksy” – PEDESTRIAN
“‘The Art of Banksy’ will serve as a welcome reminder of the explosive impact of the artist’s works, and of the powerful potential of street art – and that can’t be a bad thing” – TIMEOUT
“A must see!”- MARIE CLAIRE
“Such a special opportunity to see works of the mysterious street artist” – VROUW/TELEGRAAF
“‘The Art of Banksy’ is a MUST for every art-lover. Get inspired! ” – COSMOPOLITAN
“It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss” – HELLO AMSTERDAM
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
About Starvox Exhibits
Starvox Exhibits is a new division of Starvox Entertainment and is presenting its inaugural exhibition, the North American Premiere of “The Art of Banksy” through an exclusive partnership with Live Nation. Starvox Entertainment, founded in 2005 by Corey Ross, has ranked on Profit Magazine’s list of Canada’s top growth companies for four years running – the only live Entertainment Company ever to be on the list. Starvox produces unique live theatre properties, including: the hugely successful “Wow Variety Spectacular”, currently in residence at Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Casino, the record-breaking “Evil Dead: The Musical”, successful touring West-End hit Harry Potter parody “Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience”, “Trey Parker’s Cannibal! The Musical” and many others.
