Banksy – The Cans Festival London

Description

Over the weekend of May 3rd to 5th 2008 Banksy hosted an exhibition called The Cans Festival. It was situated on Leake Street, a road tunnel formerly used by Eurostar underneath London Waterloo Station. Graffiti and street artists with stencils were invited to join in on the exhibition and paint their artwork, with a rule that it did not cover anyone else’s work. Banksy invited artists from around the world to exhibit their art in the Cans Festival. This original poster was sold to promote the event.

Banksy stencilled a thought-provoking mural that features a figure power washing away ancient drawings from a wall. The scene serves as a powerful commentary, suggesting that the act of graffiti has a long-standing history, echoing the timeless nature of human expression throughout the ages. The juxtaposition of the modern-day figure against the backdrop of age-old art speaks volumes about the enduring relevance of street art in our culture.

Banksy’s involvement catalysed interest in the area, leading it to become a focal point for street art enthusiasts today. In the years following the Cans Festival, the tunnel has grown as an unofficial gallery where you can find artists.

The walls of Leake Street are constantly changing, as a fresh wave of graffiti and murals emerges, making each visit a unique experience.