“The art of Banksy. A visual protest” is the exhibition dedicated to the artist of mysterious identity, from 21 November at the Mudec in Milan. An unmissable opportunity to explore his profound social message expressed through street art.
It will soon be possible to see works by Banksy in Milan: from 21 November the Mudec, Museo delle culture, is presenting for the first time a solo exhibition dedicated to the artist of anonymous identity (probably English). Several exhibitions about him have already been organised at art galleries, but no civic museum has ever hosted a solo show of his work until now. A unique opportunity, therefore, to admire his graphic narratives and reflect on his protest in visual form. The art of Banksy. A visual protest is indeed the title of the eagerly awaited event, not to be missed by all those who consider art one of the most powerful forms of expression.
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He is by far the best-known street artist in the world: the appearance of his works on a city wall becomes news within minutes, because Banksy through his paintings and graffiti sends clear, powerful messages on political and social themes which, thanks to the force of the images, become intelligible to everyone. This is his distinctive quality, his strength and also the reason for his success, alongside the anonymity he has managed to maintain for years. A perceptive and unique artist, recognisable for his style and his depth rather than for his appearance or personal story. He surprises every time he "reappears," and each time becomes more famous — he who does not want to be recognised.
The art of Banksy. A visual protest, on show at the Mudec, is an exhibition project that brings together in a single public venue for the first time over 70 works including paintings, sculptures and prints by the English artist, accompanied by objects, photographs and videos that offer a retrospective account of his work and thought. A journey that is in its own way academic and unusual, consistent with the museum's mission of providing every section of the public with the tools needed to understand and appreciate the cultures of the world and the great themes of contemporary life through all the visual, performing and sound arts.
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Across the four sections into which the exhibition has been divided, Banksy is presented both within the broader context of art history and in relation to the theory of "psychogeography," according to which the artist's field of action is the territory itself — the desire to create situations, a strong sense of community belonging and a countercultural impulse. His work has as a fundamental component the relationship with the human landscape in which the artist expresses himself, often in conflict zones where even politics and institutions struggle to reach.
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Also connected to this theme is the fourth section, entitled Banksy's places, which presents, through photographs and videos, Banksy's murals in their original settings. In his works, the genius loci is indeed a fundamental aspect — the place itself and the life that unfolds within it are messages in their own right; many works are born simply in relation to and for the places in which they are created. Adding further richness to the exhibition are images of his famous incursions into the world's most important museums (Moma, Louvre, Tate, etc.) and of his provocative shows (Dismaland, Turf oil, etc.), as well as a document on the Santa's ghetto project, a series of works in Bethlehem and on the dividing wall that separates Palestinians and Israelis.
The exhibition is part of a programme entitled Geografie del futuro, scheduled at the Mudec from September; for more information, visit the museum's official website.
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It is important to note that the exhibition at the Mudec is curated by Gianni Mercurio and is not the same as the one currently on show in Toronto. In Canada, in fact, The art of Banksy can be visited until September — a major exhibition featuring 80 original works by the artist, curated by Steve Lazarides, which has previously been "on tour" in Melbourne, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Auckland. On his official website, Banksy writes on the matter: "Banksy is not on Facebook, Twitter and is not represented by Steve Lazarides or any other gallery." The message from the figure is very clear, reiterating once again that he has no interest in social networks or in being represented by anyone other than himself. An artist of character.