He is, definitely, one of my inspirations. I follow his steps since 2007 on the streets of London: Banksy.

This month, for the very first time, the UK will host an array of unique pieces from the mysterious political activist, satirist and artist, who has spent most of the last three decades anonymously tagging the streets of the world.

The Art of Banksy is a globally acclaimed showcase that features original and authenticated works associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern history.

On loan from private collectors across the globe, the colossal collection includes authenticated and certified Banksy artworks rarely seen by the general public, alongside iconic favorites such as HMV Dog and Girl and Balloon, the rarely before seen Brace Yourself featuring a dodgem riding Grim Reaper, alongside iconic favorites such as Girl with a Balloon and Rude Copper.

The UK debut of the internationally acclaimed Banksy collection opens on Thursday 20 May in the heart of Seven Dials, Covent Garden, in London.

Over 70 pieces confirmed, unique works and limited-edition pieces mainly dated between the years 1997 to 2008, the period which resulted in Banksy’s most recognizable and well-known works.

In true Banksy style, The Art of Banksy is not authorized or curated in collaboration with the artist, and like the elusive man himself.

Infamous prints, sculptures and limited editions will be scattered across the walls of a vast 12,000 sq ft underground exhibition, the space is hidden in plain sight, right at the heart of Seven Dials, Covent Garden.

The exhibition has traveled to Melbourne, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Auckland, Toronto, Miami, Gothenburg and Sydney, welcoming over 750,000 visitors worldwide.

Highlights of its first-ever London edition include:

Three decades of disrupting

Now confirmed to bring together over 70 original works gathered from private collections across the globe, The Art of Banksy will explore highlights from across the 30-year career of the notoriously anonymous artist. From some of the most reproduced images of the decade to lesser-known canvases, the show will showcase rarely seen works to satisfy even the most knowledgeable of Banksy buffs.

Brace Yourself: This Banksy is Back

The infamous ‘Brace Yourself’ artwork and its dodgem riding Grim Reaper is set to be unveiled in a rarely seen public outing for the painting. Making headlines in 2010 when the work was gifted by Banksy to a band, previously known as ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’, in exchange for the rights to their name. The piece has been mostly hidden away behind closed doors since its creation over a decade ago. The vast 245 x 182cm work – one of the largest ever created by Banksy - will take center stage in the exhibition opening.

Michel Boersma, Producer, The Art of Banksy, said: “An artist made by the people, for the people, and perhaps one of the most powerful artists of a generation – this is a one-of-a-kind exhibition that celebrates the work of an artist often ignored by the art establishment.

With over 70 works on display, it’s a real chance to see the best and the brightest of one of the UK’s best-loved artists.”

Sean Sweeney, London Co-Presenter, The Art of Banksy, said: ‘After an unprecedented year that put the capital into a slumber, we are thrilled to be part of the cultural reawakening of London this May. Many of these spectacular pieces live hidden away in private homes, collections and even warehouses. We are acutely aware that the people have been starved of art for over a year, and these works have been missing the public for even longer. This summer is going to be a momentous time for culture in our capital, and we just can’t wait to open our doors and be part of it.’