The Art of Banksy

Without Limits

Exhibition of British street artist Banksy coming to Underground Atlanta

By Collin Kelley

“The Art of Banksy: Without Limits” exhibition is moving to Underground Atlanta for its opening this fall.

Originally set for the Westside Cultural Arts Center, which recently hosted the Sistine Chapel exhibit, the presenters decided to make a venue change due to “strong interest” in tickets. The show will run Sept. 3 to Jan. 9.

According to Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Global Entertainment, more than 20,000 tickets have already been sold in Atlanta and he expects 100,000 people to see the exhibition before it leaves next year.

The exhibit is set to include more than 150 pieces, including certificated original works, reproductions of Banksy’s famed graffiti, photos, sculptures, murals, installations, digital installations and a video mapping show created specifically for the run.

“We’re expecting 1,000 to 1,500 visitors each day to the exhibit, so Underground Atlanta is the perfect venue and atmosphere,” Biallas said.

Biallas said the exhibition would stretch down Underground’s main street, and with its old brick walls and storefronts would be a perfect fit for Banksy’s street art.

The exhibition of work by the famed, anonymous British street artist has generated controversy, some of it by Banksy himself, who has disavowed similar shows around the world. Biallas said his steam had been working with Pest Control, which is the only authorized authenticator of Banksy’s work, to make sure the exhibition doesn’t fall afoul of the artist.

Biallas said Atlanta was chosen for the U.S. premiere of “Without Limits” after the success of the immersive Van Gogh exhibition at Pratt Pullman Yard.

“I think Banksy’s work will resonate with the people of Atlanta,” Biallas commented. “Banksy has a unique power to express strong political statements with poetry, energy and humor with an unnerving ability to get to the heart of the subject matter. Any location that features Banksy’s work becomes the place to see.”

Curating an exhibition of Banksy has been “challenging and unique” Biallas said since much of the artist’s wellknown political and social commentary pieces were spray-painted on buildings and public sites – many now painted over, removed, or defaced. This isn’t to say Banksy hasn’t participated in any exhibitions or created art for public sale. He famously sold signed canvasses of his work on the streets of New York for just $60 in 2013 and his large-scale canvas “Devolved Parliament” – depicting members of the UK parliament as chimpanzees – sold for a record £9.9 million in London in 2019. The artist made headlines around the world in 2018 when a canvas of his famous “Balloon Girl” was sold at Sotheby’s in London for over £1 million. Shortly after the auction, a shredder he’d dhidden in the frame destroyed the work.

Of course, one of the most enduring and alluring things about the work of Banksy is that no one has been able to unmask him for more than 30 years. Rumors continue to swirl about Banksy’s identity, with speculation that he’s artist Robin Gunningham or Robert Del Naja of the band Massive Attack, among others. Biallas said he hopes Banksy’s identity is never revealed. “I think part of the power of his message is that he’s anonymous,” he said. Tickets start at $29.20 available now through ArtOfBanksy.com. All tickets purchased previously for the Westside Cultural Arts Center remain valid for the confirmed time.

Dragon Con, Atlanta Jazz Festival return live Labor Day weekend

The sci-fi and fantasy festival Dragon Con returns to Downtown, while music will fill the air at Piedmont Park at the Atlanta Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend.

Dragon Con, set for Sept. 2 to 6, will feature panels, gaming, cosplay, the annual parade and the opportunity to meet celebrities from beloved movies and shows. This year, a “Battlestar Gallactica” reunion is in the offing featuring Edward James Olmos, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Michael Trucco, and Mary McDonnell, as well as “Smallville” stars Tom Welling, Michael Rosembaum, Laura Vandervoot, and Erica Durance, and “Shazam!” star Zachary Levi. Find out more and get tickets at dragoncon.org.

Over in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Jazz Festival will be held Sept. 5 and 6 with a lineup that includes Archie Shepp, Patti Austin, Brenda Nicole Moorer, Pasqual Grasso, Yuko Mabuchi, and more. Admission is free. See the full lineup and get more details at atlantafestivals.com.

Patti Austin