Banksy is a prolific street artist who has turned graffiti into a world class art form. His subversive, humorous and raw works are thought provoking and at the same time whimsical. In The Art of Banksy exhibition currently on at the Aotea Centre, we get to see an array of imagery from his iconic girl with a balloon through to album covers an many takes on politics and law enforcement.
There is a raw and seeming simplicity to many of the pieces yet their messages are strident and clear. Many are funny, others disturbing in their take on war and poverty.
Among my favourites were the aforementioned girl with heart balloon, the album art crated for Stormzy’s Heavy is the Head, which reimagines the crown as burden, not glory, and the legendary take down of Paris Hilton’s debut album.
Banksy’s work is visceral and provocative, and to be able to see many of his works in one place is a privilege.
THE ART OF BANKSY
Hunua Room, Aotea Centre, Auckland
7 Jul to 3 Aug 2025