Banksy

In September 2006, Banksy held an exhibition in Los Angeles called 'Barely Legal'. The exhibition featured a live elephant painted to match the wallpaper in the room, sparking controversy and media attention. The show highlighted Banksy's signature style of combining dark humor with politics and social commentary, and it was visited by celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. This event helped cement Banksy as an influential figure in contemporary street art.

In May 2008, Banksy organized the Cans Festival, a street art event held in an abandoned tunnel in Leake Street, London. The festival allowed artists from around the world to showcase their work in the tunnel, creating an immersive experience for visitors. It featured works from notable street artists such as Blek le Rat, Eine, and Faile. Banksy's involvement and curation of the event brought significant media attention and contributed to the discussion about street art as a legitimate form of artistic expression.

'Exit Through the Gift Shop,' a film attributed to Banksy, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2010. The film explores the world of street art and follows Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, as he tries to capture the scene on film. The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Guetta becomes an artist known as Mr. Brainwash. The film raises questions about the nature of art and authenticity, and it was met with critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards.

In October 2013, Banksy embarked on a public residency in New York City called 'Better Out Than In.' For 31 days, the artist created a new piece of street art each day, ranging from murals to installations. The works appeared in various locations throughout the city, generating public interest and media coverage. Banksy also offered an audio guide via a toll-free phone number for viewers. The residency sparked a citywide scavenger hunt, with people trying to locate each piece as it was revealed.

On August 21, 2015, Banksy opened 'Dismaland,' a dystopian theme park installation in Weston-super-Mare, England. Known as a 'bemusement park,' Dismaland served as a satirical take on contemporary culture and politics, featuring works from various artists including Damien Hirst and Jenny Holzer. The park attracted over 150,000 visitors during its five-week run. It was described as a place 'where there are no exits' and included twisted versions of fairy tale icons, critiquing consumerism and contradictions in modern society.

In March 2017, Banksy opened 'The Walled Off Hotel' in Bethlehem, near the controversial Israeli West Bank barrier. The hotel, described as having 'the worst view in the world,' is filled with Banksy's artwork and accessories. It aims to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and encourage dialogue. The hotel includes a gallery that exhibits works from Palestinian artists and offers tours of the area. The opening of the Walled Off Hotel was another example of Banksy's use of art to critique politics and promote awareness.

On October 5, 2018, one of Banksy's most famous works, 'Girl with Balloon,' was sold at a Sotheby's auction in London for over £1 million. Moments after the sale was finalized, the artwork began to pass through a hidden shredder installed in the frame, partially shredding itself. The incident shocked the audience and made headlines worldwide. It raised questions about the value and nature of art in the digital age. The piece, now retitled 'Love is in the Bin,' is considered a new artwork by Banksy.

In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Banksy unveiled a new artwork titled 'Game Changer' at the Southampton General Hospital in the UK. The piece depicts a young boy playing with a nurse doll wearing a superhero cape, while traditional superhero toys like Batman and Spider-Man are discarded in a basket. 'Game Changer' pays tribute to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Banksy donated the artwork to the hospital, with a note thanking the staff. It was later auctioned, raising millions for NHS charities.

Banksy's artwork 'Game Changer,' originally presented as a tribute to NHS workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, was auctioned on March 26, 2021. The piece reached a record price of £16.8 million, with proceeds going toward health organizations and charities. It was one of Banksy's most poignant works, reflecting the artist's response to the global health crisis and the crucial role of healthcare professionals. The 'Game Changer' sale is noted for its charitable impact and for setting a new auction record for Banksy's works at the time.

In November 2022, Banksy confirmed his involvement in a mural painted on a building in Borodyanka, a town heavily damaged during the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The mural depicted a female gymnast balancing on a pile of rubble. Banksy later shared images of the mural on his Instagram account, confirming it as his work. The mural in Borodyanka was part of a series of artworks by Banksy in Ukraine, which sought to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing conflict.