Vandal spray-paints unauthorized Banksy art exhibit in Vancouver

(Credit: ArtofBanksyca.com)

An unauthorized exhibit showcasing the works of street artist Banksy was targeted by a vandal on opening day in Vancouver last week.

The incident happened Thursday at “The Art of Banksy: Without Limits,” hosted at 1 Alexander St. in the city’s Gastown neighbourhood.

A patron entered the exhibit and “spray-painted a section of a vinyl timeline display and a piece of art,” according to a spokesperson, who described the incident as “minor.”

“We don’t condone any vandalism at the exhibition,” she told CTV News in an email. “The situation has been addressed, additional security measures are in place, and the affected area is being replaced without further complications.”

The spokesperson did not have an estimate for how much the damage could cost.

So far, the vandalism is not being investigated by the Vancouver Police Department, which told CTV News there was no record of the incident being reported as of early Monday afternoon.

The exhibit is billed as the “world’s largest collection of privately-owned Banksy art,” with 161 original and authenticated pieces from the mysterious figure, including the famous “Girl with Balloon.”

In total, the collection is valued at $35 million, according to organizers.

Banksy, who has critiqued the commodification of art, including his own, is not involved with any exhibitions of his work, according to Pest Control, the artist’s personal clearing house.