Although I’m in the middle of a series of posts about Groningen, I’m throwing in an article about something unrelated: my review of the exhibition ‘the art of Banksy‘ in Amsterdam.
On the right my stepdaughter Simone. She sometimes lovingly refers to me as her fake-mum, so I guess that that makes her my fake-daughter;-). We love each other.
The Art of Banksy
Last weekend I visited the art exhibition The Art of Banksy that currently runs at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.
As an avid enthusiast for street art in general ( click here to read my articles about street art in various cities and countries) and a Banksy fan in particular, this exhibition was something that I really wanted to see!
Fast facts about “the Art of Banksy” in Amsterdam:
- it’s on till september 30th 2016
- opening hours: 11.00-19.00
- ticket: euro 19,50
The Beurs of Berlage
The exhibition is held in the Beurs of Berlage, which is one of Amsterdam’s best-known landmarks and a beautiful and interesting building. The building used to be the Stock Exchange, but nowadays it has several functions and purposes.
As an architecture lover, I visited this building (and other creations by architect Berlage) several times in the past.
I really love this early, fine example of Amsterdamse School, with it’s red bricks, characteristic masonry, decorative elements and (bell-)towers. It has elements from other architectural styles as well: neo-style, Jugendstil and rationalism. There’s a lot to discover and admire, both on the inside as on the outside of the Beurs. If you visit Amsterdam and if you are a fan of architecture, don’t overlook this magnificent landmark !
Banksy
Enough about the Beurs of Berlage. Let’s focus on the artist in question: Banksy.
Most of you have at least heard of Banksy, while many have seen his art as well. If not first-hand, on a wall somewhere, then probably on social media or on TV.
He is one of the -if not the- most famous graffiti artists in the world. His images are simple, clean and clear. They are spot-on. His art is political, satirical, brings a smile or a smirk on your face, makes you think. The key-element in his art for me is: The Twist. Meaning that he takes a well-known image or concept, adds another -usually totally unexpected- element (object or text), giving a twist to the whole image. Brilliant!
Interested to know more about Banksy, about who he is (a secret) and about his work? Then read this Wiki-article.
A well-known film by/about him (with again lots of questions, mystery and speculations) is ‘Exit through the Giftshop’.
But what I really, really recommend, is to watch the HBO-documentary titled ‘Banksy does New York‘. Very, very fascinating!!!
The Art of Banksy in Amsterdam
With 85 pieces, this is the biggest show of Banksy ever.
One small thing that I missed was the opportunity to sit while watching the two videos that are on display, preferably shielded of by a curtain or something, creating a small theatre-concept. The way it is done now, was inviting nor facilitating.
Photo-impression
Taking pictures was allowed, so let me share a few with you:
Two works that mock consumerism, capitalism and even anti-capitalism in a way.
Mocking royalty
Ridiculing British royalty.
Well-known stereotypes with a twist
Left: reversed stereotype: HE wants ‘true love’, SHE wants ‘just sex’. On the right: the funny twist is at the end. Hahaha…
Classic art works with a twist
Classic art (dancer girl by Degas, now with a gas mask) with a twist.
Michelangelo’s David with a bullet-proof vest and with a bomb-vest.
The opinions about Banksy are divided. For some he is a genius, for others a fraude.
I tend to be in the first camp, because I find his take on things original and funny and he’s a PR-genius in my book.
What do you think of Banksy? Are you an enthusiast or a hater? Have you seen this traveling exhibition? Did you enjoy it?
I love it. Love the way his mind works. I will have a look at the documentary. Thanks for the link.
Did you check it out already?
I really enjoyed that movie although in the end it wound up being about that other “artist” whom I didn’t care for at all.
I once went on a walking tour in London to view many of his works in their original spots. It was so interesting.
I, like you, find his work fascinating. The best thing is that it makes you think, which is what all great art should do.
I would love to see this exhibit.
bisous
Suzanne
I don’t know when I’ll visit London again, but when I do, I definitely want to check out street art in general and Banksy’s art specifically.
I love Banksy! I went to a small exhibition in London where rich folk were popping in and dropping a few grand to buy some of his pieces.
I would have loved to have gone to ‘Banksy’s Dismaland’ but it was only a temporary thing I never made it to.
Rich folks and their funny ways, right?! I would have loved to be in NY when Banksy was there for a month.