Art enthusiasts can look forward to the Banksy: Birth of an Icon exhibition, curated by Steve Lazarides, which will be held at the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts in the capital city of Tbilisi later this month, marking the venue’s fifth anniversary.

The museum has described the exhibition as a journey tracing Banksy’s evolution from a renowned British graffiti artist on the streets to a celebrated presence within the walls of museums. The showcase will feature an exclusive collection of photos and captivating video materials curated by Lazarides. The culmination of the event will be the display of original artworks by Banksy, sourced from the private collection of British Lord Edward Churchill.

Steve Lazarides, the curator, emphasized that the exhibition illuminates Banksy’s path, including their close creative partnership spanning nearly twelve years. Lazarides served as the artist’s manager, photographer, driver, and more after their initial meeting in 1997 when Banksy was an unknown young graffiti artist from Bristol.

He further explained that visitors to the exhibition would experience Banksy’s art from two distinct perspectives: through documentary photos capturing the artist’s origins and through original artworks showcasing Banksy’s boundary-pushing evolution. As visitors progress through the exhibition, they will gain insight into why the art world reveres Banksy and what makes this street artist a cult figure.

In addition to Banksy’s originals, the exhibition will also feature works by Georgian street artists, curated by Elene Kapanadze. These local artists actively contribute to Tbilisi’s street art scene, and their creations reflect their unique styles and impact on Georgian culture.

The exhibition not only offers local audiences the opportunity to celebrate the museum’s anniversary with an exclusive exhibition but also aims to support and showcase Georgian street art. Organizers hope to elevate Tbilisi’s status on the global art stage through this event, putting the city on the “world map of arts.”