Fans of street art will want to consider a jawn – er, jaunt – to the City of Brotherly love in the next month or so.
That’s because Philly is playing host to “Banksy Was Here: The Exhibition, an “unauthorized” immersive experience meant to shine light on the vision, impact and mystery surrounding the “unidentified” street artist.
The multimedia show designed to illuminate the world of the mysterious Bristol Street artist opened in the Philadelphia Fashion District on Saturday and runs through Jan. 31.
Presenters Fever and Exhibition Hub promise an interactive that includes more than journey 80 “genuine and certified’’ works from private collections by the artist. The exhibit is being offered in collaboration with Lilley Fine Art/Contemporary Art Gallery.
“Banksy Was Here’’ features “more than 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the classics of the legendary artist,’’ according to promotions for the show.
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While parts of the show have toured separately, the Philly run marks the world premiere of the full exhibition.
“‘Banksy Was Here’ invites guests into the universe of one of the most mysterious and elusive artists in the world,” according to press materials for the show. “The selection of masterpieces as well as a unique virtual reality experience gives Philly residents the opportunity to enjoy a highly educational and descriptive voyage through the artist’s world and career.”
The show includes “original works, installations, videos and photos including the now classics of the artist (presumed to be British), like the essential ‘Girl with Balloon,’ similar to the one destroyed by the artist at the auctioneer Sotheby’s in London, his portrait of Lenin, the ‘Fallen Angels’ smoker’s cigarette or his explosive ‘Monkey Detonator,'” according to promotional materials.
Organizers say the show will inspire both Banksy fans and those who will just be discovering the enigmatic artist. “Banksy’s work allows us to see our everyday world in a different way,” said Exhibition Hub Executive Producer John Zaller. “This approach will appeal to everyone who comes to ‘Banksy Was Here,’ whether they are seeing the artist’s work for the first time or the hundredth. The exhibit design provides a different perspective to all who enter: it transports you to a whole other place that is totally unexpected and entirely engaging – similar to Banksy’s work.
“Banksy fans will love ‘Banksy Was Here’ because of the dedication that our team took to be as true to the artist’s approach as we could be. From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, we place you in environments that evoke the authenticity and the irony of Banksy’s works while also curating the collection in a way that is accessible to all,’’ Zaller continued.
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Tickets are $22.90 and up, with children under age 4 admitted for free. Discounts are available for seniors, students, military and groups (15 or more tickets).
“Banksy Was Here’’ is on view at Philadelphia Fashion District, 901 Market St. Entrance I, outside of the mall at Ninth and Market. For tickets, visit banksyexpo.com/philadelphia
