Banksy Was Here opened earlier this year at The Philadelphia Fashion District —and if you haven’t had a chance to check out the interactive experience following the work of one of the world’s most notable street artists yet, you’re in luck.
The exhibition ultimately invites Philadelphians into the mind of the anonymous English-based creative. With his work seen around the globe, some of Banksy’s most recognizable pieces are displayed in the District’s rotating mixed use space (which previously housed Candytopia), and there are also some immersive elements to explore as well.
With over 80 creations, the two-story exhibition houses works from private collections and in collaboration with the Lilley Fine Art/ Contemporary Art Gallery. As a release states, while some pieces have traveled to 15 cities, Exhibition Hub and Fever (the organizers of the event) selected Philadelphia to be the world premiere of Banksy Was Here specifically.
“Philadelphia is the perfect city to debut Banksy Was Here because of its love of art and its gritty personality. Philadelphians know what they want and they take pride in knowing who they are, just like Banksy,” explained Exhibition Hub Executive Producer John Zaller in a statement. “The Fashion District is a fantastic central location right in the middle of the city. And our venue right at the corner of 9th and Market has an industrial and commercial feel that is the perfect backdrop for Banksy Was Here.”
The exhibition is split up into different sections. As soon as you walk in the door, the walls are lit up with video and film, and benches sit in the center of the room for spectators to sit, and take everything in. The next door leads to some of the stationary work of the artist, and also, the first interactive element where visitors can use chalk and stencils to create their own works of art.
The next few rooms are split up into categories that showcase the political, nonsensical and creative inspirations of the collection. Each room tells a different story, and Philadelphians can create their own as well, with the chance to draw among others your own expression of art in one of the last rooms.
“Banksy fans will love Banksy Was Here because of the dedication that our team took to be as true to the artist’s approach as we could be,” Zaller continued in a statement. “From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, we place you in environments that evoke the authenticity and the irony of Banksy’s works while also curating the collection in a way that is accessible to all.”
By the end of the experience, Philadelphians will have seen an assortment of sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the classics of the legendary artist. The release also states that Banksy has been known to question the rules of the game of contemporary art, and is considered one of the main figures of street art. So, you’ll likely find some new favorites among the showcase.
And to get the full experience, visitors can opt-in to upgrade their ticket for a VR Experience at the end. It takes Philadelphians through about a 15 minute showcase of Banksy’s art where its meant to be—on the streets. A gift shop also holds a variety of items (clothes, posters, magnets and more) to peruse before you exit.
“Banksy’s work allows us to see our everyday world in a different way,” Zeller finished. “This approach will appeal to everyone who comes to Banksy Was Here, whether they are seeing the artist’s work for the first time or the hundredth. The exhibit design provides a different perspective to all who enter: it transports you to a whole other place that is totally unexpected and entirely engaging – similar to Banksy’s work.”
Tickets are available for purchase on Fever’s marketplace through the new extended date, May 7. For more information, visit banksyexpo.com
