Steve Lazarides – Unforgettable You

Description

Having worked with Banksy for 11 years, ex-Banksy agent and photographer Steve Lazarides documented Banksy’s evolution over the years becoming Banksy’s agent in the process up until early 2009.

Originally featured in Lazarides’ ‘Banksy Captured’ book (2019), this limited edition print features a reference to Banksy’s landmark U.S. debut: the Barely Legal exhibition held in a Los Angeles warehouse in September 2006. At its centre was a 37-year-old Indian elephant named Tai, painted in non-toxic colours to match the wallpaper—a literal representation of the “elephant in the room.” The installation served as a stark metaphor for global poverty and the world’s reluctance to address it.

Guests were handed cards stating:

“THERE’S AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. THERE’S A PROBLEM WE NEVER TALK ABOUT… 1.7 BILLION PEOPLE HAVE NO ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER… ANYBODY WANT A FREE GLASS OF WINE?”

Banksy’s statement was unmissable, as was his ambition. The show attracted celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and marked a turning point in the artist’s international impact.