WHY SOME TORONTORIANS ARE NOT TOO HAPPY WITH THE ‘ ART OF BANKSY’ AND WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT 24/7 FOR FREE

If you are an art enthusiast, at some point viewing Banksy’s artwork at Steve Lazarides exhibit was either marked out in your phone or somewhere a pamphlet was hanging around your kitchen table. As time went by it seemed like people were taking off their rose-colored glasses and seeing it for what it really is. Toronto artist Tharanga Ramanayake decided to take these exact thoughts into action. Though Ramanayake compliments Banksy by calling him ‘ a genius’ he decided to pay homage by placing his illustrations in the exhibit just like Banksy did in New York circa 2005. Next to the artwork states “ Theft is bringing street art inside and then charging an admission fee.” Now, this exhibit supposedly isn’t authorized by unknown – Banksy himself stating he isn’t affiliated with Steve Lazarides, all of the art was sold to private collectors to fund the work he does in public which was written on the exhibits Facebook page. Some took this even farther creating a mock Art of Banksy across the street for free for fans to enjoy.

Where did the ol’ ‘support the artist’ term go? Though I am sure Banksy isn’t scrapping pennies anytime soon, the exhibit isn’t going back into his art or donations to charities for example that cannot afford supplies. I understand why some of the 416 humans don’t agree with the exhibit being open.

But say you have never really dipped your paint brush or can into the world of his political and influential pieces, you can view his artwork via his own Instagram HERE or view his website by clicking the photo below of his ‘ outdoor and inside’ projects. Banksy’s website also claims he is not affiliated with any commercial galleries, its safe to say until he himself decides to open up an exhibit with actual graffiti, showcases unreleased sketches/work or open another Dismaland Bemusement Park, leave the art in the streets where they should be.

Just like the art of Banksy exhibit states and Banksy himself believes: ‘Writing graffiti is about the most honest way you can be an artist. It takes no money to do it, you don’t need an education to understand it, and there’s no admission fee’.