2024-04-23
The works will be published by former Banksy photographer Steve Lazarides, who documented the mysterious artist's work for twenty years. The album took about two years to prepare and the results will be available for purchase through the website: Banksy Captured: The Book (click). It will be an extraordinary behind-the-scenes story of the life and work of the mysterious man who became one of the most famous graffiti artists in the world.
Lazarides is the well-known British owner of the Lanzinc art gallery and former agent and friend of the anonymous painter. He is considered to be one of the first major figures who helped popularise street art and underground art. He met the graphic artist when he was in his mid-twenties, at the time he was a photographer for Sleaze Nation magazine. They were both originally from Bristol. Over time he became his advisor, and many today believe he is behind Banksy's huge international success. Their paths diverged in 2008 in rather unclear circumstances.
There was no conflict or resentment between us, we were just both preoccupied with something else. He wanted to prove something in one place, I wanted to prove something in another. We kept it [his identity] a secret for over 20 years. Why would I supposedly give up now?
Their relationship is a rare example of friendship, hence the photos seem extremely personal. Together they created a website - Pictures on Walls (click) - in 2001 to promote street art. The album Banksy Captured, soon to be released, will consist of several hundred photographs taken over more than a decade documenting the Englishman's work.
Banksy (źródło: www.lazinc.com)
Banksy (źrodło: www.bbc.com)