Unique collection of original Banksy editions in aid of Gaza and Ukraine

Banksy is one of the most popular present-day artists. Limited editions of his works that have been acknowledged by him are extremely rare and – obviously – highly coveted. However, a great many criminals and organizations are illegally taking advantage of his success, which is why, sadly enough, the British graffiti artist tops the list of most-forged artists by a wide margin. “Globally, there is an enormous increase in the number of counterfeits, which are sold for big money as so-called limited and numbered issues, with falsified certificates of authenticity. The online supply of such counterfeits outnumbers the scarce available originals many times over. ​

Counterfeiting Banksy's works and the merchandising surrounding it has become a grubby multi-million dollar business," art expert Marc Pairon says. “Non-accredited Banksy museums are popping up all over the place these days. Even governments sometimes support exhibitions of works wrongly attributed to Banksy.” However, during Antica, the international art and antiques fair in Brussels, an exceptional collection of authentic limited Banksy editions from private collections will be offered for sale, including works from The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem (Palestine) and philately-related issues from Ukrposhta, Ukraine’s national postal service. Fully in line with Banksy's social commitment, the proceeds from this sale will directly benefit humanitarian projects in Gaza and the reconstruction of schools in Ukraine.

The special stand during Antica will exhibit a varied range, including more than 70 different, rare Wall Sections (Banksy-designed miniatures of the wall that separates the West Bank from Israel), some Banksy sculptures signed by the renowned Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour and authentic souvenirs created by Banksy for his Walled Off Hotel.

The Judo Fight
​Last year, Ukrposhta, in collaboration with Banksy, issued a limited edition multi-coloured postage stamp depicting 'The Judo Match', one of the characteristic murals that the British street artist painted in Ukraine. Very rare sets and unique documents from this issue will be offered during Antica, including first-day envelopes and art postcards signed by the management of Ukrposhta, limited editions of framed and signed versions of these, the complete series of first-day covers and Banksy postcards from all 28 post offices that were involved in the issue, etc.

Banksy® & Ukrposhta • FCK PTN! art postcard • 24 February 2023 First-day cancellation KyivBanksy® & Ukrposhta • FCK PTN! art postcard • 24 February 2023 First-day cancellation Kyiv Igor Smelyanskyi (CEO, Ukrposhta): Україна -надихає! Бенксі - творить! [Ukraine - inspires! Banksy - creates!] Ivan Golub (Art Director, Ukrposhta): Свободу не спинити! [FREEDOM CANNOT BE STOPPED!]

Marc Pairon (°1959) is a Flemish author and art expert. In 2006 he wrote the reference work 'Art Deco Ceramics - Made in Belgium', which is still used as a standard work worldwide. In 2017, another art book by Pairon was published: 'Belgian Impressionism - the hidden masterpieces'. In 2020, he presented an overview of the artworks at The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem in the publication 'Banksy - The Walled Off Art Editions Are Sold Out!’. Recently, another art book by Pairon about the famous British artist was published: 'Banksy in Ukraine - F*CK PTN!'. His third publication about the most famous anonymous contemporary artist – in which he speaks out against (and warns the art-loving public about) forgers – is in preparation: 'Banksy in Palestine - The Real Walled Off Art Editions'.

Exhibition details

ANTICA BRUSSELS • FINE ART FAIR
​Friday 19 April to Sunday 21 April, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
​Tour & Taxis, Havenlaan 88, Brussels
​Marc Pairon • stand C04
​www.antica.be

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