About seven months ago, my mom called to tell me that our long-awaited, week-long trip to London (scheduled departure: June 25) had been canceled because the travel agency hadn’t been able to attract enough interest to book group rates. About two days ago, I found out that The Andipa Gallery in the Knightsbridge district is exhibiting works of the genius graffiti artist, Banksy, starting June 9th through July 7, 2011. For a few years now, I have been intrigued with the works of this shadowy artist, and the bold statements he makes. The chance to view even a reproduction of his work on something other than a computer screen would be such a thrilling experience. Nevertheless, my disheartened and regretful demeanor will not stop me from spreading the word about this amazing display of art to anyone and everyone who may have the chance to visit the Andipa Gallery in the upcoming weeks.
In an effort to stay at the forefront of modern art, the Andipa Gallery is hosting it’s third exhibition featuring Banksy’s urban 
pieces. The latest showing comes just four short months after the gallery brought the contemporary art of Banksy and Damien Hurst to the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland. My all-time favorite piece, Girl With Balloon, is one of the many original Banksy works that will be up for sale during the four week exhibition (June 9th – July 7th).
Even more notably, perhaps, is the fact that emerging street artist, War Boutique, has chosen Andipa as his first commercial exhibition. With an artist like Banksy featured on the ground floor, there should be significant draw to the showing, and War Boutique is sure to benefit from Banksy’s popularity. It will not be the first time these two artists’ works have been displayed together, however. In 2009, War Boutique provided artwork for Banksy’s project during the controversial Banksy vs. Bristol Museum show. (One such piece, the Metropolitan Peace vest, is shown below.)
War Boutique contributes to Banksy project
War Boutique is known for his wearable art that recycles military and police uniforms, as well as his use of military and ballistic materials “to alert us to the creeping militarization of our society, encourage us to work towards peace and remind us of our duty to realize this.” (Source: The Andipa Gallery)
The militarization theme is an excellent compliment to the anti-war message that Banksy often portrays. Let’s hope that the Andipa Gallery’s exhibition actually helps the public to understand the significance of the messages behind the artwork, not just value of the art itself.
Banky's "Hard Knock LIfe"
