Banksy & friends: the art of rebellion on display in Pontedera

Scheduled until November 9th at the Palp (Palazzo Pretorio) in Pontedera , 'Banksy & friends' showcases the works of a constellation of 'rebel' authors determined to represent the contradictions and paradoxes of modern society. Curated by Piernicola Maria Di Iorio, the exhibition is configured as a choral tale in which, in addition to Banksy , artists such as TvBoy, Mario Schifano, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, David LaChapelle, Mr. Brainwash, Obey, Takashi Murakami, Liu Bolin, Kaws, Giuseppe Veneziano and Patrizia Casagranda take part.

The initiative is enriched by the participation of artists linked to the Tuscan territory and the Italian contemporary art scene. This is the case of Francesco Barbieri, Nico Löpez Bruchi, Cristina Gardumi, Enrico Pantani, Valentina Restivo and Aleandro Roncarà. The main exhibition core comes from the private collection of the Pop House Gallery , a reference point in the contemporary art scene that for years has been passionately dedicated to the promotion of innovative visual languages.

The exhibition juxtaposes Banksy's famous works with those of Andy Warhol who, like the Bristol artist, elevates everyday objects and icons to universal symbols. His famous silkscreens of Mao, Lenin and Kennedy , for example, continue to stimulate a profound dialogue between popular culture and the power of the image. There is no shortage of authors who, while maintaining a close connection with street art, develop very personal languages. In particular, TvBoy combines pop icons and historical figures to convey irreverent messages about current events; a clear example of this is 'Super Franciscus' which challenges conventions by making fun of reality. The art of camouflage is, instead, the distinctive element of Liu Bolin who merges with the various environments of his photographs.

The great existential themes are then addressed by the British Damien Hirst, whose works explore the binomial life and death , pushing the viewer beyond the limits of visual comfort. The playful Kawaii aesthetic is the basis of Takashi Murakami's acute satire on the obsessions of modern society. Mr. Brainwash draws heavily from urban graffiti to become the spokesperson of positive and accessible messages to the general public, such as 'Life is beautiful' or 'Follow your dreams'. His visual language is rather familiar thanks to the continuous references to Roy Lichtenstein's pop art. Finally, David LaChapelle's photographs immerse the visitor in provocative and audacious worlds, always full of symbolism. Produced and organized by Piuma in collaboration with Arthemisia, Pop House Gallery and Trium Art Gallery, the exhibition has Londinese, Banca Popolare di Lajatico and Unicoop Firenze as 'main sponsors'.