We know Estonia
5.7.2024 | Culture

Banksy’s Street Art Exhibition Opens in Tallinn

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Susanna Poikela

Banksy’s Street Art Exhibition Opens in Tallinn

 

“The Mystery of Banksy: Genius Mind,” an exhibition showcasing the street art of the world-famous artist Banksy, opens today in Tallinn. The exhibition features over 150 works spanning Banksy’s entire creative career to date, including graffiti, photographs, sculptures, video installations, and prints on various materials, specially copied and collected for this event.

Banksy began his career in the 1980s on the streets of his native Bristol. He switched to using stencils, finding the technique faster and more practical for evading police attention. This method allowed him to create intricate pieces quickly and make a swift getaway if necessary.

Why does Banksy remain anonymous? His use of public spaces for his provocative street art, which tackles issues such as environmental crimes, wars, and social problems, can be divisive. He believes that anonymity allows him to speak the truth without repercussions. Banksy is known for saying, “To speak the truth, you have to wear a mask.” His anonymity allows him to express opinions from outside mainstream society.

 

 

Banksy has been labelled both an anarchist and a capitalist. While his art often challenges societal norms, his works are also sold at top auction houses, contributing to the global Banksy brand. Despite the commercial success, his art retains a strong element of social commentary.

A guide at the exhibition explains, “Once all the costs of setting up and running the exhibition have been paid, the remaining proceeds go directly to the maintenance of the rescue ship Louise Michel and the funding of its missions.” The ship operates in the Mediterranean, rescuing dozens of refugees in distress at sea every week.

The Banksy exhibition will run until October 27, 2024, at the M-hall in the Telliskivi Creative Centre in Tallinn. Telliskivi is located in northern Tallinn, near the Balti Jaam market and within walking distance of the main railway station. The main entrance of the exhibition is marked by a striking graffiti of a tiger’s head.

More information about the exhibition.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Art Exhibition Banksy Events in Estonia Events in Tallinn Graffiti Art Society Street Art Telliskivi Creative Centre

16.6.2025 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

22 March–3 August BANANA exhibition by Flo Kasearu, Tallinn BANANA, or Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone, by Flo … Read more

15.6.2025 | Leisure

Estonia’s Summer Capital Welcomes the Season

Estonia’s Summer Capital Welcomes the Season

Pärnu rings in the start of summer this year more loudly than ever before. Not only is it the … Read more

14.6.2025 | Culture

Author Paavo Matsin’s Journey to Tartu, a City of Culture and Flavours

Author Paavo Matsin’s Journey to Tartu, a City of Culture and Flavours

First of all, I would like to highlight the beer restaurant, München, located right opposite the main building of … Read more

13.6.2025 | Culture

Satu Kalliokuusi’s “Stumps” Exhibition Opens in Muhu 

Satu Kalliokuusi’s “Stumps” Exhibition Opens in Muhu 

What if trees could talk—or more precisely, stumps? Finnish artist Satu Kalliokuusi‘s new art exhibition “Stumps” opens a view … Read more

13.6.2025 | Culture

Midsummer Bonfires in Southern Estonia

Midsummer Bonfires in Southern Estonia

As in all Nordic countries, Midsummer’s Eve, or St John’s Day Eve—jaanipäev, in Estonian—is more popular than Christmas. Bonfires, … Read more

12.6.2025 | Culture

Italian Tenor Charms Tallinn

Italian Tenor Charms Tallinn

Italian singer and songwriter Matteo Bocelli will be coming to Tallinn for the second time in October as part … Read more

11.6.2025 | Culture

The Cult—8525 Tour

The Cult—8525 Tour

The Cult is one of rock’s legendary bands. Formed in 1983 in Bradford, England, The Cult reached commercial success … Read more

10.6.2025 | Culture

Jeff Arcuri’s Comedy Concert

Jeff Arcuri’s Comedy Concert

You might not know the name Jeff Arcuri, but you should, if you appreciate good stand-up comedy. The Michigan-born … Read more