The Northern Waters Casino Resort in Watersmeet will open a new contemporary art space next month, and its inaugural show features a famous graffiti artist and activist.
Banksy is a secretive street artist, whose artwork is stenciled onto walls, bridges and buildings around the world.
His work is recognized not for its artistic prowess, but for the messages it leaves behind.
“No matter what nationality or what language you speak, you look at one of these pieces and you immediately know what message the artist is trying to communicate,” says Michael Broderick, the general manager at the Northern Waters Casino Resort.
“The artist is incredibly well-traveled. He’s been to Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tel Aviv,” he lists.
Now, Broderick is helping bring Banksy’s work to Watersmeet.
The casino resort is opening a new contemporary art space next month, and its inaugural show is called “Banksy Takes a Break” (Because Even Artists Take a Vacation).
It’ll feature 30 years of the artist’s work.
“There’s just an amazing assortment of different art that is very, very recognizable. Even if you don’t know who the man is, you’ll probably recognize his work,” Broderick says. “Banksy, in our opinion, is probably the most relevant artist living in the 21st century that will be remembered as a Picasso. It will transcend time, but yet it is current.”
The exhibit will open September 3.
It’s free and open to the public, which in Broderick’s view is exactly what Banksy would want.
“It’s public art for all to see and consume and ponder over,” he says.
