In the heart of Glasgow, a groundbreaking exhibition has been causing quite a stir. Banksy's "Cut and Run," hosted at the GoMA [16th June - 28th August 2023], is not merely an art show; it's an autobiographical odyssey through the enigmatic world of one of the most renowned street artists of our time. Having visited the exhibition myself on an unconventional Sunday morning at 2:15 am, I can attest to the profound impact and thought-provoking nature of Banksy's work.
"Cut and Run" is a testament to Banksy's evolution as an artist over the past 25 years. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Banksy's personal journey, from clandestine street art to celebrated gallery pieces.
“I’ve kept these stencils hidden away for years, mindful they could be used as evidence in a charge of criminal damage. But that moment seems to have passed, so now I’m exhibiting them in a gallery as works of art. I’m not sure which is the greater crime. - Banksy
What makes this exhibition particularly poignant is Banksy's decision to unveil stencils that have long been concealed, fearing they could be used as evidence of criminal damage. Now, displayed proudly in a gallery setting, these stencils are elevated to the status of fine art, challenging traditional notions of legitimacy and legality in the art world.
From recreations of his iconic pieces to insightful anecdotes about his creative process, each section of the exhibition offered a deeper understanding of Banksy's artistic ethos. One highlight was the recreation of Banksy's studio desk and his old bedroom, providing a glimpse into the artist's workspace and creative impulse.
The exhibition culminates in a powerful revelation of Banksy's origin story, shedding light on his motivations, struggles, and triumphs as an artist. This final room humanises Banksy in a way that is rarely seen, offering a glimpse into the personality behind the enigmatic facade. Through a series of comic strips and personal anecdotes, Banksy invites viewers into his world, challenging preconceived notions and sparking conversations about the intersection of art and activism.
The humour of the pieces, sparked by the camaraderie of the mostly Glaswegian - very early morning - crowd overtook me at times at which point I was brought sharply back to earth by the poignancy of the pieces and their sad necessity born from activism in a post-truth age where we all feel helpless in the face of brutality, greed and marginalisation.
One of the most striking aspects of "Cut and Run" is Banksy's engagement with contemporary issues and social commentary. Works such as "Stormzy's Union Jack Stab Vest" and "Queen Victoria" offer poignant reflections on patriotism, identity, and power dynamics in society. Banksy's ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion through his art is truly striking, cementing his status as a visionary and provocateur.
A fantastic choice of location, the camaraderie of the friendly Glasgow crowd, comprised mostly of Glaswegians rather than collectors, gallerists or sponsors, was perfect. He selected Glasgow for the location of CUT & RUN because it plays host to his “favourite work of art in the UK”: the Duke of Wellington statue, which you can find directly outside the doors of the GoMA. For at least forty years, Glaswegians have been placing a traffic cone on the Duke’s head —a symbol of rebellion and defiance against authority, costing the council £10,000 to remove every year.
Banksy's "Cut and Run" is more than just an art exhibition; it's a testament to the power of art to provoke, inspire, and ignite change. As I left the Gallery of Modern Art in the early hours of the morning, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for Banksy's fearless creativity and unwavering commitment to his craft. "Cut and Run" is not just a showcase of art; it's a call to action, urging us to question the status quo and reimagine the world around us through the lens of artistry and imagination.
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