If you have been thinking about planning a trip to Rome between now and next spring then we recommend getting there before the 11th of April 2021 in order to catch an incredible new exhibition that was opened almost a month ago in the Chiostro del Bramante. “Banksy – A Virtual Protest,” brings over 100 works by the world-famous English graffiti artist to Rome and showcases them in the stunning historic surroundings of the Chiostro del Bramante. An exhibition that sells out daily tickets easily, it is an absolute must for art-lovers exploring the Eternal City. Just browse our luxury villas in Rome and get planning a trip to see this exceptional showcase of Banksy's work and career for yourself.
While very few people actually know who Banksy is, we do know that he came up through the underground art world movement in Bristol, with his first street art pieces popping up around the city back in the early nineties. Since then, his identity has remained a closely guarded secret as graffiti is a crime but this same anonymity has allowed Banksy to tackle some of the most controversial subjects of his time freely and without fear and without the discussion being bogged down in the details of his personality and life. His work has taken on themes such as war, politics, social problems, police violence, corruption, the environment, and more.
While very few people actually know who Banksy is, we do know that he came up through the underground art world movement in Bristol, with his first street art pieces popping up around the city back in the early nineties. Since then, his identity has remained a closely guarded secret as graffiti is a crime but this same anonymity has allowed Banksy to tackle some of the most controversial subjects of his time freely and without fear and without the discussion being bogged down in the details of his personality and life. His work has taken on themes such as war, politics, social problems, police violence, corruption, the environment, and more.
The exhibition at the Chiostro del Bramante is expansive and stretches over two floors of labyrinthine grey rooms through which visitors wander and view his works in a way that is rather akin to discovering one of his original pieces in the wild while wandering in any of the cities that are home to his work. However, seeing so many works by Banksy in one place like this is a rather unusual and special experience that has not often been replicated and this exhibition offers an extremely rare opportunity to do so.
“Banksy – A Virtual Protest,” opens with a 2004 screen print of the mural, “Girl with Balloon,” one of Banksy's most iconic and immediately recognisable pieces, and a piece that made international headlines back in 2018 when it was sold at a Sotheby's auction for $1.4 million and immediately automatically shredded after coming under the hammer. The stunt was very Banksy and, ironically, actually increased the value of the print after it was shredded.
Other highlights from the exhibition include a room of works dedicated to his famous first solo showcase that took place in LA in 2006, “Barely Legal,” which involved another stunt in which he put a live 37-year-old elephant in the room as a symbol for the global poverty ignored on a daily basis by the world's more privileged inhabitants. Understandably, the elephant won't be participating this time around. Additionally, “Peckham Trolley,” a piece that mimics a prehistoric carving and which Banksy infamously snuck into the British Museum and hung on the wall, something that went unnoticed for three whole days, is also on display in this exhibition, as well as some interactive pieces from his, “Dismal Land,” initiative that involved further smuggling of works, this time of figures representing Guantanamo Bay prisoners into Disneyland.
While seeing these works in a gallery setting does change the experience of them and dilute Banksy's messages somewhat, from an art historical point of view, it is a fascinating and wonderful opportunity to get an insight into, and overview of, the career of one of the world's most influential contemporary talents. For Banksy fans, in particular, it is not to be missed. So, if you have found a luxury villa in Rome and you are planning a trip to this part of Italy be sure to book tickets to see this exceptional exhibition well in advance and experience it for yourself!
Chiostro del Bramante
Via Arco della Pace, 5 (Centro Storico)
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday, 10am-8pm
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Tickets:
Ranging in price from 13 to 18 euros.
“Banksy – A Virtual Protest,” opens with a 2004 screen print of the mural, “Girl with Balloon,” one of Banksy's most iconic and immediately recognisable pieces, and a piece that made international headlines back in 2018 when it was sold at a Sotheby's auction for $1.4 million and immediately automatically shredded after coming under the hammer. The stunt was very Banksy and, ironically, actually increased the value of the print after it was shredded.
Other highlights from the exhibition include a room of works dedicated to his famous first solo showcase that took place in LA in 2006, “Barely Legal,” which involved another stunt in which he put a live 37-year-old elephant in the room as a symbol for the global poverty ignored on a daily basis by the world's more privileged inhabitants. Understandably, the elephant won't be participating this time around. Additionally, “Peckham Trolley,” a piece that mimics a prehistoric carving and which Banksy infamously snuck into the British Museum and hung on the wall, something that went unnoticed for three whole days, is also on display in this exhibition, as well as some interactive pieces from his, “Dismal Land,” initiative that involved further smuggling of works, this time of figures representing Guantanamo Bay prisoners into Disneyland.
While seeing these works in a gallery setting does change the experience of them and dilute Banksy's messages somewhat, from an art historical point of view, it is a fascinating and wonderful opportunity to get an insight into, and overview of, the career of one of the world's most influential contemporary talents. For Banksy fans, in particular, it is not to be missed. So, if you have found a luxury villa in Rome and you are planning a trip to this part of Italy be sure to book tickets to see this exceptional exhibition well in advance and experience it for yourself!
Chiostro del Bramante
Via Arco della Pace, 5 (Centro Storico)
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday, 10am-8pm
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Tickets:
Ranging in price from 13 to 18 euros.