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All about the Banksy Genius or Vandal NYC exhibition

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New York City is often dubbed the "cultural capital of the world". While visitors from around the world often visit this city for its sights and streets, they are equally mesmerized by the quirky art scene. You'll find the streets of New York brimming with graffitis and other forms of artwork. The city is home to some of the best art museums in the world - from contemporary and modern art at the MoMA to prehistoric art at the MET - the city has it all! So, it is no surprise that Banksy’s artwork is getting exhibited in Banksy New York exhibition 2021.

Banksy is a mystery British artist who has challenged the world with this unique artwork that takes on real-world issues. His creations are deep with a sense of humor and candor. In this exhibition, more than 100 of his works will be presented from private European collections.

Banksy Expo: Genius or Vandal? - Banksy New York

Essential Information


Banksy NYC 2021 - Things to know

Suggested duration: 60 to 80 minutes
Banksy New York ticket price: $29.50
Opening Date: August 26, 2021
Closing Date: November 28, 2021

Must-see at Banksy New York

A Virtual Reality experience through Banksy’s career
100 authenticated works of Banksy from private European collections

Banksy New York Opening Hours

Weekdays: 10 AM to 7 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Weekends: 9 AM to 8 PM

Banksy NYC Address

TBA

Who is Banksy?


Banksy is an England-based enigmatic graffiti guru who produces his work in the public spaces but ironically has never been identified and is known only by his pseudonym. To date, his name and identity are secret and are a source of speculation for everyone following his work.

In the early 1990s, Banksy started as a freehand graffiti artist and was part of the Bristol underground scene after being inspired by the local artist. He is known to share his political thoughts and messages in the form of graffitis and is likely to appear on bridges, streets, and walls throughout the world. His satirical street art uses dark humor with graffiti and is executed using a unique stenciling technique.

Banksy’s first known work was The Mild Mild West that was painted in 1997 to hide the advertising of a former solicitor’s office in Bristol. In 2002, his first Los Angeles exhibition at 33 1/3 Gallery showcased some of his best works like Love is in the Air (2002), Bomb Hugger (2002), Smiley Copper H (2002), and so on. This was the start of his worldwide fame and rest, as they say, is history.

Why should you visit Banksy Expo: Genius or Vandal?


Banksy NYC

Banksy: Genius or Vandal is a one-of-a-kind exhibition being held in NYC where the visitors can browse through the amazing works of famous and enigmatic British artist, Banksy. This exhibition has already been held in 15 other cities before and is a great way to take a look into the controversial artistic universe of Banksy. With more than 100 genuine, authentic artworks of Banksy at display lent by private collectors around the world, this Banksy New York exhibition is a great guide to this artist’s career.

Moreover, the exhibition displays art installations, photos, and videos that showcase the street works by Banksy using virtual reality technology. A lot of these works are currently lost and not available in the original organic environment anymore. Most of his other street works are likely to get lost too as they get stolen or collected by collectors or tampered by either overly enthusiastic fans. This is why the Banksy New York exhibition is one of the last chances to see his amazing works in their true forms.

This exhibition is not authorized by the artist who chooses to stay anonymous from the system.

Banksy NYC 2021 : COVID-19 Safety Measures


To ensure the safety of the visitors, several Covid-19 safety measures have been implemented at the NYC venue.

  • The number of visitors is limited and controlled by the reservation system.
  • There will be clear markings on the floor for enforcing social distancing and a clear path with directions to manage the flow of the visitors.
  • Visitors are required to wear masks throughout the exhibition and can get free masks at the entry.
  • There will be hand sanitizer dispensers placed inside the exhibition to be used regularly by the visitors.
  • The bathrooms will be cleaned after every use as well.
  • For the VR experience, the visitors will get disposable eye masks for wearing the VR headsets and the number of headsets being used simultaneously will be limited.
  • All equipment used in this area including the chairs will be disinfected after every use.
  • Most importantly, visitors are requested to not form groups inside the exhibition.

The Banksy Expo: Genius or Vandal? Exhibition


Banksy: Genius or Vandal is an interactive exhibition that has been dedicated to the British artist, Banksy. This experience will take you into the mysterious universe of this Bristol street artist by taking you on a journey through more than 100 certified works of the artist that were loaned to this exhibition from private collectors around the world. The exhibition includes a Virtual Reality experience to take you on a multisensory journey through the works of this street art master who has taken the world by a storm with his political and social commentary.

Banksy’s Most Iconic Artworks


1Napalm Girl (2004)

One of the most poignant works of Banksy, Napalm depicts two popular children characters Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald on either side of a naked, weeping girl. This piece displayed the artist’s ongoing criticism of war and violence. In 2006, this painting was acquired by Damien Hirst who believed Banksy is a surrealist, making you see the world in a different way. .

banksy artworks

Image Courtesy: My Art Broker Website

2Love Is In The Air (2003)

Love is in the Air is one of the most famous artworks of Banksy that appeared in Bethlehem after the construction of the West Bank Wall. This mural was painted on the wall that separated Palestine from Israel. This piece shows a man throwing flowers in a riot and gives a powerful message as always – to wage peace and not war.

banksy artworks

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

3Dismaland (2015)

A temporary art project by Banksy, Dismaland was a satirical seaside resort in the United Kingdom. This secret pop-up exhibition was a darker twist on Disneyland and was described as a family theme park unsuitable for children. This entire exhibition was inspired by Jeff Gilette’s Dismayland painting series which was also a part of this exhibition.

banksy artworks

Image Courtesy: The Guardian

4Girl with Balloon (2002)

Girl with Balloon is another famous artwork by Banksy that was also exhibited in his debut Los Angeles exhibition in 2002. This was a London series of stencil murals where you could see a girl extending her hand towards a red heart-shaped balloon that was getting carried away by the wind. He used several variants of this to voice his thoughts on different socio-political issues.

banksy artworks

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

5Love is in the Bin(2018)

Love is in the Bin is an art intervention by Banksy at a London auction in 2018. The original version of this painting, Girl with Balloon, was being auctioned at Sotheby’s and was immediately sold once Banksy self-destructed this 2006 painting in a shredding device. This is the first artwork in history that was created live during an ongoing auction.

banksy artworks

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia | By Source (WP:NFCC#4)

Banksy Expo: Genius or Vandal? Tickets

How Much Do Banksy NYC Exhibition Tickets Cost?


Banksy: Genius or Vandal NYC Exhibition tickets are available from May 4, 2021, on the Feverup website. The ticket prices begin from $29.50 for Standard Tickets and $35.40 for VIP Tickets. For children aged between 4 and 12 years, the price begins at $19.90 for Standard Tickets and $23.90 for VIP Tickets. A VIP ticket gives you access to the exhibition, entry to the VR experience (around 10 minutes), and a poster.

Visitor Tips


  • You can take photos and videos as long as you don’t use flash. However, professional equipment and a tripod are not allowed inside the exhibition.
  • Wear a mask throughout the exhibition for the safety and comfort of everyone.
  • Leave your food and drinks behind before entering the exhibition venue.
  • Avoid carrying bulky bags to the exhibition to make it easier to circulate around the exhibition.
  • Make use of the audio guide with the help of VR headsets available to immerse yourself in this experience.

Visiting Banksy NYC 2021

Practical Information


Opening Hours

The Banksy Expo: Genius or vandal? Exhibition is open from Wednesdays to Mondays.
During the week, the exhibition is open from 10 AM to 7 PM and during the weekends & holidays, the exhibition is open from 9 AM to 8 PM.
On Tuesdays, the exhibition remains closed.

Amenities

The secret venue in NYC offers wheelchair-accessible entry to the exhibition. There are VR headsets and chairs inside the exhibition to be used by visitors who opted for the virtual reality experience.

Best Time to Visit

The Banksy Expo: Genius or vandal? Exhibition is open from August 26, 2021, to November 28, 2021, so you can visit anytime between these months. You would need to reserve a date and time slot before you visit the exhibition. It is recommended that you reserve an early morning slot during a weekday to enjoy the artwork better.

FAQS


When is Banksy NYC 2021 happening? 

Banksy NYC 2021 is held between August 26, 2021, and November 28, 2021.

Which is the easiest way to get to the Banksy Expo: Genius or vandal? Exhibition

The exact location of the Banksy NYC exhibition has yet to be announced. 

How much are the tickets to Banksy New York 2021? 

Banksy New York admission tickets  2021 start from $29.50. Children between the age of 4 and 12 require tickets that begin at $19.90.

Where is The Banksy New York exhibition 2021 being held?

The Banksy New York exhibition 2021 is being held at a secret location in NYC. Watch this space for more details. 

How much time should you spend at Banksy Expo: Genius or vandal? NYC

You can expect to spend around 60 to 80 minutes browsing through the artwork at the Banksy art exhibition.

What are the Banksy NYC exhibition timings?

Banksy NYC exhibition is open from 10 AM to 7 PM during the weekdays, except for Tuesdays. During the weekends and holidays, the exhibit is open from 9 AM to 8 PM.

Till when is Banksy NYC 2021 running?

Banksy NYC 2021 exhibit will be open till November 28, 2021.

Do you need Skip the line tickets to Banksy NYC?

No, you do not need Skip the line tickets to Banksy NYC but you can avail yourself VIP tickets. A VIP ticket for Banksy NYC includes entry to the exhibition, entry to the virtual reality experience (around 10 minutes), and a poster.

Is Banksy NYC worth it? 

Yes, absolutely. Banksy NYC exhibition is a great way to learn about the career of this famous artist and view some of his best works in a single location. Also, the virtual reality experience further adds to the exhibition and makes it one of the best art exhibitions to visit in 2021.

Is the Banksy New York exhibition indoors or outdoors?

Banksy NYC exhibition is being held indoors.

Can you buy the works at Banksy Expo: Genius or Vandal?

No, the works exhibited at Banksy Genius or vandal exhibition belong to a private collection and are not up for sale. However, visitors can buy catalogs and other exhibition-related items at a gift shop at the venue.

Is the exhibit suitable for children?

Yes, the Banksy New York exhibition is suitable for all ages.

Banksy NYC Guide