Banksy speaks out against Moscow exhibition that he's 'got nothing to do with'

Reclusive artist Banksy has spoken out against an exhibition of his work in Moscow – which is charging people to get in.

In an Instagram post showing a screen grabbed text message conversation, the Bristol-hailing street artist voiced dismay over the exhibition, saying “what the hell is that?” and “it’s got nothing to do with me”.

The exhibition referred to appears to be the show at the Central House of Artists in the Russian capital, which boasts over 100 exhibits shown over a 2,000 square metre space, and calls itself “a personal exhibition of Banksy”.

The artist doesn’t seem to be amused by the show, saying “I wish I could find it funny. What’s the opposite of LOL?”

In the published conversation, Banksy appears to be particularly dismayed by the entrance fee for the show, which he is told in the messages is £20.

In response, Banksy says “I don’t charge people to see my art unless there’s a fairground wheel”.

A representative for Banksy told the Standard, “Banksy has absolutely nothing to do with the show in Moscow. They did not seek permission to show his work or indeed charge entry for such a show… the public who are purchasing tickets for this show are being mislead.”