First Large-scale solo exhibition of Banksy in Chinese mainland

Sea World Culture and Arts Center (SWCAC), in collaboration with Artunes, presents Banksy is Nowhere at L1 Coastal Gallery of SWCAC in Shenzhen until November 16. This is the first large-scale solo exhibition on the Chinese mainland by Banksy, the world's most influential and mysterious artist.

On-site photo of the exhibition

The exhibition showcases about 110 of Banksy’s representative works, including 34 original prints certified by the Pest Control Office (PCO) (such as Girl with Balloon), along with dozens of objects, currency pieces, and rare archival footage documenting his creative process. The Pest Control Office is the official institution established by Banksy to authenticate his works and manage copyrights. Additionally, the exhibition features large-scale street mural installations, recreations of Banksy’s personal studio, a graffiti-themed restroom, and other immersive scenes. Visitors can follow the "clues of light" to experience the atmosphere of street creation, as if stepping into the urban corners painted by Banksy himself.

On-site photo of the exhibition

Embodying the paradox of anonymity and fame, Banksy first rose to prominence with street graffiti in the 1990s. Characterized by stencil-based techniques, his works often focus on social issues including the climate crisis, anti-consumerism, and child welfare, expressed in playful or darkly humorous styles that resonate globally. He has been ranked as Britain's greatest artist and named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Breaking the boundaries of art, Banksy regards cities as vast public canvases, creating works on surfaces such as derelict walls and street signs. He has redefined the "public nature of art" and helped elevate street art from an underground subculture to a globally recognized mainstream art form.

Selected exhibition work

Years in the making, this exhibition continues the trajectory of previous Banksy exhibitions in Berlin, Glasgow, Paris and other cities, while specially recreating the original urban environments he once inhabited. Through the exhibits and scenes, visitors can understand how Banksy deconstructs social issues, and experience his unwavering creative conviction, boundless talent, and extraordinary imagination.

Selected exhibition work