An exhibition of work by renowned graffiti artist Banksy will open in Glasgow this weekend, featuring stencils of his iconic works he has kept “hidden away for years”.
The solo show, titled Cut & Run – 25 Years Card Labour, will feature many of the stencils used to create his most iconic artworks spanning from 1998 to the present day.
The exhibition is taking place at the city’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and will run from this Sunday until 28 August.
Banksy said: “I’ve kept these stencils hidden away for years, mindful they could be used as evidence in a charge of criminal damage.
“But that moment seems to have passed, so now I’m exhibiting them in a gallery as works of art.
“I’m not sure which is the greater crime.”
Kissing Coppers
Going, Going, Gone
Banksy’s first solo show in 14 years will feature authentic artefacts, ephemera and the artist’s actual toilet.
If the exhibition proves popular, the show may then tour.
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The artist has been plagued by a number of unsanctioned global exhibitions in recent years.
He noted: “While the unauthorised Banksy shows might look like sweepings from my studio floor, Cut & Run really is the actual sweepings from my studio floor.”
The exhibition will run from Sunday 18 June until 28 August
A stencil that featured in Kyiv, Ukraine
Banksy said the traffic cone which famously sits on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Glasgow gallery is what drew him to exhibit there.
Banksy said the Duke of Wellington statue – which famously has a cone on its head – is what drew him to the Glasgow gallery
In the gallery label for the show, he said: “For anyone who isn’t aware – the statue out the front has had a cone on its head continuously for the past 40 odd years.
“Despite the best efforts of the council and police, every time one is removed another takes its place.
“This might sound absurd and pretentious (just wait until you see the rest of the exhibition) but it’s my favourite work of art in the UK and the reason I’ve brought the show here.”
