PHILADELPHIA, PA—On December 3rd, the Banksy Was Here: The Exhibition An “Unauthorized” Banksy Exhibition debuted inside Philadelphia’s Fashion District. The riveting and interactive exhibit presents numerous pieces created by Banksy and will run through January 31, 2023, before moving on to another city.
Inside, you will find two stories of gallery spaces that offer themed installations, including sculptures and interactive opportunities, as well as videos and photos that immerse visitors into the world of the legendary artist. Just keep in mind that Banksy has been known to desecrate his previous work when it has been capitalized financially upon—so make sure to see this exhibit while you can because no one knows who the elusive artist really is.
This provocative exhibition features over 80 original works that you can peruse via a self-guided tour. The tour reveals pieces that came from private collections in collaboration with Lilley Fine Art/ Contemporary Art Gallery.
As his identity is shrouded by anonymity, the question remains: Who is Banksy? No matter how difficult it is to identify him, his path to stardom has evolved over the years. It is alleged that Banksy originates from Bristol, England. Beginning as a statement graffiti artist under the pseudonym Robin Banx, over the years, his works have shown influences from other well-known artists. And as mainstream media brought more attention to his art, he became a household name that collectors sought out.
Today you can find his artwork across the globe, vocalizing his ideals through what he created. Throughout his work, you’ll find controversial images–that are often satirical and addresses issues such as politics, culture, and/or ethics–each piece a scintillating message to contemplate.
“Banksy’s work allows us to see our everyday world in a different way,” said Exhibition Hub Executive Producer John Zaller in a press release, “This approach will appeal to everyone who comes to Banksy Was Here, whether they are seeing the artist’s work for the first time or the hundredth. The exhibit design provides a different perspective to all who enter: it transports you to a whole other place that is totally unexpected and entirely engaging – similar to Banksy’s work.”
He continued, “Banksy fans will love Banksy Was Here because of the dedication that our team took to be as true to the artist’s approach as we could be. From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, we place you in environments that evoke the authenticity and the irony of Banksy’s works while also curating the collection in a way–that is accessible to all.”
All ages are welcome, but please be aware there are flashing graphics in some of the areas, so if you’re photosensitive, you may need to avoid certain areas in the exhibit. Banksy Was Here is located at 901 Market St., inside Philadelphia Fashion District Mall. Please note the entrance is the outside of the mall, on Market Street near the corner of the 9th and Market intersection.
For tickets and additional information, please visit https://banksyexpo.com/philadelphia/. Banksy Was Here is presented by Exhibition Hub and Fever.
