El Círculo de Bellas Artes opens its doors to the exhibition BANKSY. The Street is a Canvas, an unprecedented exhibition in our country about the mysterious and always controversial British street artist.

BANKSY. The Street is a Canvas This exhibition brings us closer to the controversial artistic universe of one of the most influential creators of recent years, through different thematic areas and more than 50 creations, including a selection of unique works executed with various techniques: oil or acrylic on canvas, spray paint on canvas, limited-edition screen prints, stencils on metal or concrete, painted polymer or varnished bronze sculptures, installations, videos, and photographs. Many of the pieces, from international private collections, are being exhibited in Madrid for the first time.

An immersive multimedia installation, specially created for this exhibition, will welcome visitors, revealing clues about the mysterious artist, highlighting his most important pieces, and framing his unusual and controversial career. Among the most renowned works in the exhibition is the original silkscreen print from the series. Girl with balloon, similar to the one recently destroyed by the artist himself in an unprecedented action at Sotheby's, the London auction house.

Who is Banksy?

Elusive, provocative, mysterious… Banksy, the British artist whose identity remains unknown, is considered one of the leading figures in contemporary street art. His often satirical works address universal themes such as politics, culture, and ethics. The aura of mystery that, by choice and by necessity, is perpetuated whenever Banksy is mentioned has made him a mythical figure of our time.

Banksy employs a direct form of communication, rejecting the system and its rules. The artist addresses his audience without any filter, and his works are visual texts capable of informing and inspiring reflection. War, wealth and poverty, animals, globalization, consumerism, politics, power, and environmentalism are some of the themes Banksy explores.

From the trenches of the asphalt, Banksy has defied the rules of the contemporary art gameHis visual protest has connected with a huge and diverse audience, and today he is one of the most recognized and admired artists among art lovers and also among younger generations.

In the words of Alexander Nachkebiya, curator of the exhibition: “Banksy has become a phenomenon and is one of the most brilliant and important artists of our time. His work is a challenge to the system, a protest, an extremely well-constructed brand, a mystery, a defiance of the law… We want each visitor to this exhibition to be able to decide for themselves who Banksy really is: a genius or a hooligan? An artist or an entrepreneur? A provocateur or a rebel? This new exhibition aims to showcase the depth of Banksy’s talent, its multiple layers and dimensions, so that visitors can think and decide for themselves. His work, always relevant and so comprehensive, delves into the soul of each of us. I suppose all of this makes him a genius in my eyes.”

BANKSY. The Street is a Canvas It is a co-production of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, IQ Art Management and Sold Out, who are also responsible for the successful exhibition BANKSY. Genius or Vandal? visited by more than 600.000 people in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Madrid. BANKSY. The Street is a Canvas He arrives in Madrid with unpublished works never before seen in Spain.

Tickets:

Prices:

General admission (+13 years): €15

Child admission (4 to 12 years): €8

Children's admission (0 to 3 years): free

CBA members, the unemployed, students, seniors (65+), members of large families, holders of the Youth Card, and people with disabilities of 33% or more can enjoy a 15% discount on the general admission price. Valid only for purchases at the Círculo de Bellas Artes box office. Discount applicable every day of the week. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Proof of eligibility is required to receive the discount in each case.

*These prices do not include a handling fee (€1,50 per ticket). The same handling fee applies to online and in-person ticket sales. Online purchase is recommended to guarantee your visit and avoid overcrowding at the exhibition grounds.

Free audio guide for smartphones, available in Spanish and English.

On Mondays, at the Circle:

December 21, 19:00 PM · Banksy vs. Banksy. Dialogue with Fernando Castro, Peio H. Riaño, Paz Olivares, and Eduardo Maura

Alongside this exhibition, and with the aim of enriching the ideological debate it raises, a conference will be held within On Mondays, at the CircleA dialogue aimed at exploring the complexities of the relationship between street art, the art market, and cultural institutions. Participants include Fernando Castro (art critic and curator), Peio H. Riaño (art historian and journalist), Paz Olivares (teacher of the Escuela SUR and independent publisher) and Eduardo Maura (Professor of Philosophy and politician). Moderator Carolina del Olmo (Director of Publications del Círculo de Bellas Artes).