Banksy inspired to stage rare exhibition of his work by cone 'art' in Glasgow

15 June 2023 , 17:49

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Steward studies Girl with Balloon (Image: PA)

Street artist Banksy is to open his first exhibition in 14 years this ­weekend in Glasgow – thanks in part to the city’s cheeky take on art.

The solo show, called Cut & Run, is taking place at the city’s Gallery of Modern Art and has been officially authorised by the elusive graffiti artist.

It spans 25 years and will feature many of the stencils he has used to create his work.

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.”

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Art prank that inspired Banksy to exhibit in Glasgow (AFP via Getty Images)

The artist said the traffic cone that has sat on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the gallery for 40-odd years was what drew him to exhibit there. The artist said: “It’s my favourite work of art in the UK.”

The exhibition will open to the public from Sunday and will run for three months, opening all night at weekends. If it proves popular the show may then tour.

Stencil of Ukraine work (PA)

Pieces in the exhibition include the stencils for Girl with Balloon, Kissing Coppers and a work that shows a female gymnast balancing on a damaged building in Ukraine – as well as the artist’s actual toilet.

GoMA museum manager Gareth James said the exhibition is a “perfect fit for GoMA and the city”.

Exhibition at the city's GoMA (PA)

Banksy added: “While unauthorised shows might look like sweepings from my studio floor, Cut & Run really is the actual sweepings from my studio floor.”

Mark Jefferies