The “Banksy Exhibition” which has mesmerized over 300 million people worldwide finally hits Tokyo! This special exhibition which celebrates the roots of Banksy is here!

“BANKSY~GENIUS OR VANDAL?”, the exhibition that has caught the attention of over 300 million people in Moscow, Madrid, Hong Jong, New York and L.A. since 2018, is finally landing in Japan. Banksy Exhibition: Genius or Vandal will be held from December 12, 2021 (Sun) to March 8, 2022 (Tue) at WITH HARAJUKU, located in front of Harajuku Station, Tokyo.

Original project exploring Banksy’s “roots”

Banksy is one of the most sought after artists in the world, continuing to this day to send strong messages through satirical graffiti art and street art. Starting with Yokohama, this exhibition will travel to major cities like Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. The exhibition, which was a hit in New York, features original content and will finally appear in Japan for the first time.

By comparing Banksy’s works to the likes of artists such as Andy Warhol and Basquiat, you can get a closer look into the background of Banksy’s work, reinterpret it and marvel at how a new pop icon was born. This is a valuable opportunity to experience Banksy’s unique style and personality.

“Marilyn x Kate Moss”

People want to pay for brands and popular images, not art. The public doesn’t need art.

Banksy’s social commentary on consumer culture was inspired by Andy Warhol’s portrait of “Marilyn” and in turn, presents a work with the motif of supermodel Kate Moss, who was a pop icon at the time. This exhibition displays 10 works that complete Warhol’s “Marilyn” for comparison.

 

“Soup Cans”

Another Banksy work is “Soup Cans” inspired by Andy Warhol’s 1962 series “Campbell’s Soup Can”. In Banksy’s version, he critiques the British corporate retailer “Tesco”. This work, which bitterly criticises corporate giants that rule the local economy, is one of his most famous works.

 

Basquiat’s work, which is said to have influenced Banksy’s, also appears.

Banksy created a mural in homage to Basquiat’s masterpieces. The work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who is said to have influenced some of Banksy’s work, will appear in this exhibition as well. “Jawbone of an Ass” (Production year: 1982-2004 Work courtesy of ANDART Co. Ltd). This work features motifs such as Basquiat’s crown and symbols typical of Basquiat’s works intricately woven with a graffiti-like touch. This bold and innovative project reveals some of the roots of Banksy’s works.

 

Featuring over 70 Banksy works! The exhibition that has captured the attention of over 300 million people finally hits Tokyo!

Exhibition Name: “BANKSY GENIUS OR VANDAL?” (English)  “バンクシー展 天才か反逆者か” (Japanese)
Exhibition Period: December 12 (Sun) 2021-March 8 (Tue) 2022 10: 00-20: 30 (Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing) *Closed on 24th of February
Location: WITH HARAJUKU (1-14-30 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Host: BANKSY ~ GENIUS OR VANDAL? ~ Production Committee
Planning and production: IQ ART MANAGEMENT CORP

Support: J-Wave, Nippon Broadcasting System, FM Yokohama, Aso View!

Official Homepage: https://banksyexhibition.jp

*This exhibition is not authorized or curated by the mysterious artist BANKSY but a travelling exhibition where collections are gathered.