Images of elusive artist are revealed in new book

HE IS one of the art world’s most elusive figures but now images documenting more than a decade of the artist Banksy’s works are to be released by his former agent and photographer.

Steve Lazarides will reveal candid and intimate photos from 11 years spent as the right-hand man of the anonymous figure.

They provide a behind-thescenes look at the street artist creating some of his famous works – but they do not appear to capture his face.

Lazarides said he loved his time with Banksy, but is glad to be out of the art world.

“I worked with him for 11 glorious years, during which time we broke every rule in the rule book, along with a fair few laws,” he said. “I hate the art world. I only became part of it because Banksy catapulted the movement into the stratosphere. “It was a ride – however, I’m glad I’m out of it and about to enter the next ride.” Lazarides worked with Banksy during his formative years, and many of his photos have never been seen before.

The 250-page book, Banksy Captured, reveals images from more than a decade of subversion, and Lazarides will offer limitededition prints of his work at affordable prices to open art to a broader economic audience. The first 50 people to buy his self-published and self-distributed book will also receive a Banksy “Di-faced” £50 note, counterfeit currency featuring the face of Diana Princess of Wales.

We broke every rule in the rule book, along with a fair few laws. Steve Lazarides, Banksy’s former agent.

RIGHT-HAND MAN: Prints by Steve Lazarides, inset, Banksy’s agent and photographer, that feature in his new book ‘Banksy Captured’, documenting more than a decade working with the mysterious artist.