In the late 1990s, a young photographer named Steve Lazarides met an unknown Bristol graffiti artist who would later become the world's most famous street artist: Banksy.
What started as casual documentation of illegal street art in the shadows of Britain's cities evolved into an 11-year partnership that would revolutionize the art world. Steve Lazarides wasn't just Banksy's photographer – he was his gallerist, agent, strategist, and confidant during the most transformative period of the artist's career.
From 1997 to 2008, Lazarides had unprecedented access to document Banksy's journey from underground vandal to international phenomenon. His camera captured not just the finished pieces that would become iconic, but the process, the planning, the near-misses with authorities, and the culture that surrounded this guerrilla art movement.
These weren't just photographs – they were documents of a revolution. Each image tells a story of risk, rebellion, and artistic brilliance. Lazarides captured Banksy working under cover of darkness, the adrenaline of illegal installations, the reactions of unsuspecting public discovering fresh pieces at dawn.
The archive includes over 12,000 photographs, many never seen before, offering an intimate look at the artist's methods, motivations, and the movement that grew around him. From the early days of freehand graffiti in Bristol to elaborate international stunts that made headlines worldwide, Lazarides was there, camera in hand.
The period from 2000 to 2008 saw Banksy's most prolific and daring work. Lazarides documented landmark moments: the first stencils that would become Banksy's signature style, the audacious museum infiltrations, the West Bank barrier paintings, the painted elephant at "Barely Legal" in Los Angeles, and countless street pieces that appeared overnight in cities around the world.
These years weren't just about art – they were about building a movement. Lazarides helped orchestrate exhibitions that challenged the art establishment, managed the growing demand for Banksy's work, and protected the artist's anonymity while building their reputation.
The "Banksy Captured" series is more than a photographic record – it's a cultural artifact. These images document not just one artist's rise, but the transformation of street art from vandalism to valued cultural expression. They capture the spirit of rebellion that defined a generation and the wit and wisdom that made Banksy's work resonate globally.
Each volume offers different perspectives: Volume 1 focuses on the early years and the development of Banksy's distinctive style. Volume 2 documents the international expansion and increasingly ambitious projects. Volume 3 captures the culmination of this partnership and the moments that cemented Banksy's place in art history.
When Lazarides and Banksy parted ways professionally in 2008, it marked the end of an era. But the photographs remain – a testament to one of the most significant artistic partnerships of the 21st century. These images are now the definitive visual record of Banksy's formative years, offering insights that no other source can provide.
Today, as Banksy's works sell for millions and appear in museums worldwide, these photographs remind us of the raw, rebellious energy that started it all. They preserve the authenticity of a movement that changed how we think about art, public space, and the power of anonymous expression.
The "Banksy Captured" trilogy represents the most comprehensive visual documentation of Banksy's career ever assembled. Published in multiple editions to suit collectors and enthusiasts alike, these volumes offer an unparalleled window into the world of the world's most elusive artist.
From limited edition hardcovers for serious collectors to accessible paperback editions for new fans, each book is crafted with attention to detail that honors the significance of its contents. High-quality printing ensures every detail is preserved, from the texture of brick walls to the drip of spray paint.
These aren't just books – they're historical documents, art objects, and portals into a world that existed in shadows but changed culture in broad daylight.