Overview

Banksy: Building Castles in the Sky is a catalogue to a major traveling exhibition dedicated to Banksy, the enigmatic and world-renowned graffiti artist whose true identity remains a mystery. This book, created by Stefano Antonelli and Gianluca Marziani with contributions from Acoris Andipa, Chiara Canali, and Pietro Folena, offers a comprehensive look at Banksy's work and creative vision.

Content Description

This accessible volume showcases over 100 original iconic works from private collections, meticulously grouped to reveal Banksy's key reference points and creative drives. The exhibition includes celebrated pieces such as Girl with Balloon, Gangsta Rat, and Monkey Queen, alongside lesser-known examples in diverse media—ranging from “Banksy of England” banknotes and satiric CD covers to posters and rare T-shirt designs.

Banksy’s works are laced with caustic, critical messages that examine capitalism, consumerism, war, social control, and freedom with groundbreaking freshness and immediacy. The book features insightful essays that explore Banksy’s philosophy, his complex relationship with the art market, and his deliberate choice to remain incognito. Detailed contextual analysis and a timeline of his career provide readers with a deeper understanding of his influence on contemporary art and society.

Book Details

ISBN-13: 9780789345677
ISBN-10: 0789345676