In 2009, Andipa Gallery presented a selling exhibition of rare works by the UK's leading urban artist, Banksy, including the largest canvas ever to come on the market. All of the works on display were from the gallery's collection, built up over the previous three years.
Andipa was the first gallery to put on a major exhibition of Banksy’s work in the secondary market, showcasing one of the largest collections of the artist's work. Over 25,000 people visited the gallery during the exhibition in 2008 to view one of the most extensive private surveys of the artist's work brought together in recent years; many visitors queuing up to an hour for entry.
The 2009 show exhibited only original canvases, such as 'Are You Using That Chair' (2005). Measuring over four meters in length, this is the largest canvas by Banksy to have come onto the market. The work is based on Edward Hopper's well-known painting 'Nighthawks' (1942). Another included work was an original oil on canvas depicting a traditional portrait of an English Lord struck by a custard pie.
Acoris Andipa, Director, Andipa Gallery, 'Banksy continues to defy the establishment with poignant commentary through his street work. He continues to evolve and adapt as an artist, as we saw with his response to the New Orleans anniversary and his New York Village Pet Store creations last year. He's always one step ahead of the game, reasserting freedom of speech through both his street works and his studio output.'