Banksy is perhaps the most enigmatic figure of today’s art scene and while we don’t know what the artist looks like or Banksy’s true identity, we can now get a peek into his (or her) artistic message at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence.The exhibit BANKSY- This is not a photo opportunity is on from October 19 to February 24 and given that Banksy is perhaps “the most popular living artist since Andy Warhol,” visitor numbers are sure to be impressive.
One thing is for sure: Banksy’s work is never boring or predictable! Banksy’s Balloon Girl recently made worldwide headlines when it fetched more than one million dollars in a bid at Sotheby’s and then instantly self-destructed thanks to a mechanism the artist installed in the picture frame.
Recurring themes in Banksy’s works include capitalism, war, and contradictions and paradoxes of our time, all of which are perceptible from the 20 works on display for the next few months in Florence. Visitors to the exhibit have an opportunity to see prints and original posters of Banksy’s previous exhibits, counterfeit money made by the artist, and videos and other information on what we do know about this mysterious genius of our time.
By the way, this magnificent palazzo and the frescoes of its Magi Chapel (painted by Benozzo Gozzoli) are featured in the Florence episode of Dream of Italy on PBS. So there are now many reasons to visit Palazzo Medici Riccardi! — Danielle Abbazia
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Via Cavour, 1
Florence
www.palazzomediciriccardi.it
Admission: 10€
Runs through February 24, 2019
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.