Behind the The Art of Banksy with Michel Boersma

The article recounts a personal visit to 'The Art of Banksy' exhibition at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 7, 2024. The author, initially hesitant due to past awkward experiences at art shows, attends the opening and describes the immersive, gritty atmosphere of the 909 sqm space featuring 160 authenticated Banksy pieces. The exhibition includes iconic works like a girl with a heart-shaped balloon and anti-royalist pieces, and the author interviews curator Michel Boersma, who explains the show's growth from 65 pieces in 2018 to its current scale, touring 19 cities and attracting over 1.5 million visitors.