Despite not featuring a single Banksy original, we were excited to visit an unauthorised Banksy exhibition that’s been touring around Europe since 2021.

It’s hard to imagine anyone in Europe or the US that’s not heard of Banksy, however if you fall into this category, he is an anonymous street artist, political activist, and filmmaker who emerged in the early 1990s, gaining widespread attention for his distinctive stencil-based graffiti. Known for addressing political and social issues, Banksy's work critiques capitalism, war, surveillance, and environmental destruction.

Originally from Bristol, South-West UK, his art has appeared on streets, walls, and bridges worldwide, often in highly visible and unexpected locations. By blending art with activism, Banksy has become a cultural icon, while maintaining his anonymity has added to the mystique surrounding his work.

As you can see from our photos, Banksy's style is characterised by its satirical and subversive imagery, often infused with dark humour.

Using stencils allows him to create detailed, elaborate images quickly, which has become a hallmark of his street art. His work often conveys anti-war and anti-establishment sentiments, critiquing militarism, corporate greed, and government overreach. In addition, his art advocates for social and political justice, highlighting the struggles of marginalised groups and addressing issues like poverty, refugee crises, and inequality.

Environmentalism is another common theme in Banksy’s work, with many pieces drawing attention to climate change and environmental degradation.

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