Banksy’s reputation in both the art world and in popular culture continues to grow with the years, as the artist’s iconic works become ever more recognisable. Riding that wave of interest right into the heart of Melbourne is The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits”, billed as the most complete exhibition of Banksy artworks ever exhibited in Australia. Our fellow insiders in Sydney and Brisbane raved about the exhibition when it was in their neighbourhood, so now that Melbourne’s exploring the world of Banksy, we figured it was high time to see if it matched the word-of-mouth hype. Read on for our review!
Found opposite H&M at The District Docklands (next to The NBA Exhibition), there’s a lot to commend the exhibition for before you even enter. Let’s start with the numbers; over 2 million visitors worldwide is not a figured to be shrugged at, and there are 180 artworks represented here, including original artworks, photos, and sculptures. The concentration of this much Banksy in one place, combined with the artist’s trademark cutting wit and distinctive visual style, produces a pretty dazzling effect that we kind of loved. It’s like an art gallery with the volume turned up, and sets the stage for a pretty memorable wander round.
The journey starts with a little bit of theatre; two “officers” waved scanners at us as part of a security check, echoing Banksy’s pointed artworks about the police and authority figures. From there, the Art of Banksy starts immersing you in the timeline of the artist’s career, tracing the development from his early days until now and inviting you to catch part of a Banksy documentary that plays on a rolling loop. Up next is the first big section of the exhibition, a recreation of the Dismaland ‘bemusement park’ that appeared in the UK a few years back, before you’re given a taste of Banksy’s preoccupation with current events as you enter the murals room, which features replications of seven murals that Banksy created in Ukraine.
The most moving scene from The Art of Banksy comes in the ‘Louise Michel‘ room. Inspired by the French Navy vessel that Banksy decorated & funded to help save the lives of refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea, the artwork here provides a powerful call to protect human rights and spread empathy, rather than fear. Wandering amongst the pieces here and connecting the threads of Banksy’s activism, you get a clear sense of why the exhibition’s tagline is “There is always hope”.
Heading towards the end of the exhibition, and drawn as we are by a photo opportunity, the infinity room caught our eye the most. With a kaleidoscope of Banksy’s most notable works taking you on a whirlwind tour of his greatest hits, it’s undoubtedly the most eye-catching aspect of the exhibition – well, it’s either that or the red telephone box emerging from the exhibition floor. Finally, there’s a well-stocked merch shop to browse on the way out; as you might have guessed, you Exit Through The Gift Shop…
You’ll want about two hours here if you intend on reading all the information and properly absorbing all the artwork, given that it’s a museum-quality exhibition, but if you’re a Banksy fan in a hurry, an hour should be enough time. One underrated part of the exhibition we’d suggest you consider is the opportunity to spray paint your own Banksy-inspired T-shirt as a fun keepsake from the experience. It’s available to Premium ticket holders, but for the chance to stand out in the Melbourne fashion scene, it’s worth the upgrade. We’re not the only ones who loved it, either – check out some of the other five-star reviews:
Fabulous! Great mix of street art, political activist with a British sense of humour! Highly recommend.
I love an exhibition that leaves me breathless. Absolutely awesome!
Brilliantly subversive exhibition which captures the heart of what Banksy is all about. Well worth attending.
The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” will be in Melbourne through July and into August, and we’d wholeheartedly recommend it to art lovers, those with an interest in activism and counterculture, and for anyone who just fancies a culture-filled day out. With The District Docklands being in the free tram zone, it’s a fairly easy commute to get here, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation of Banksy’s career. What’s not to like?