The Art of Banksy comes to Tākina – News and information

Artworks will include the global exclusive of the first Flower Thrower. Now one of Banksy’s most iconic artworks, Flower Thrower first came to global attention in 2003 when it appeared as a mural in the West Bank, Palestine, as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity and resistance making the artwork more important now than ever before. However, Banksy had already created an initial artwork in 1997, depicting a man throwing a bunch of flowers, as a Valentine’s Day gift for his then girlfriend. 

The origins of the Flower Thrower image and testimonial video interview with Leonie Laws, Banksy’s former girlfriend, will accompany the artwork and shine a whole new light on this work and the artist.

Further amplifying Banksy’s evergreen positioning within the political Zeitgeist the exhibition will give unique insight into the artist’s Walled Off Hotel – a nine-room hotel created by Banksy in Bethlehem just metres away from the Israeli West Bank Wall which boasts “the worst view in the world”. 

Wellington City Mayor Tory Whanau is excited about the critically acclaimed blockbuster exhibition coming to Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“It’s exciting to have the world’s largest exhibition with works from the world-renowned political artist Banksy here in Pōneke, the heart of Aotearoa’s democracy.”

Michel Boersma, curator and producer of the exhibit says: “Following a hugely successful 18 city global tour and 2 years in London, UK, we’re very excited to bring this larger-than-ever collection to Wellington. Over the last 8 years we have been working with collectors in expanding the collection which we are able to display, from 70 in Auckland in 2018 to over 150 authenticated and genuine works, no replicas – the real deal.

“I am particularly proud that trusted associates of Banksy, for example Ben Eine, have been willing to contribute to the exhibit with their privately held works, gifts and hand drawn sketches and video testimonials. This way The Art of Banksy is able to lift the veil on how some of the iconic Banksy works were created and reveals some of the secret stunts they got up to.”