Steve Lazarides is a fixer, a promoter and all-round advocate for contemporary artists. In addition to being an agent for Banksy, he also represents Massive Attack’s multimedia artist Alexandre Farto aka Vhils, JR, Jonathan Yeo and Antony Micallef. He recently opened Lazinc Sackville gallery in London’s Mayfair district with an immersive show by famed French street photographer JR (whose documentary “Faces Places” has been nominated for an Oscar). The artist has launched a solo exhibition that crosses inside and out of the new two-story building. Running through February 28, “GIANTS – Body of Work” in true JR style, features a dramatic 20-foot installation on the building’s facade, while inside are displays of behind the scenes visuals. These include never-before-seen studio plans, drawings and prototypes used to realize his GIANTS series displayed during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Cultured caught up with Lazarides on his new space and his 10-year milestone with JR.

What prompted the move?

I thought our artists needed to be where they would be taken seriously.

Which artists are currently housed in the gallery and who is on your radar?

JR, Vhils, Antony Micallef, Miaz Bros, Jonathan Yeo plus many others. Yes, I have my eye on a few people but I’m not giving the game away!

You’ve teamed up with Wissam, what does he bring to the mix aesthetically?

He’s got an amazing eye, I couldn’t wish for a better partner.

You started working with JR 10 years ago; how have you seen his work evolve over the years?

From the first time I met him, he was the full ticket, already making books and movies. As the years have passed, his ambition and reach have moved on exponentially, and his works reflects this.

Tell us about the ‘GIANT’ installation on the exterior of the Sackville gallery. What were some of the challenges while installing the work?

It is a pair of high jumpers legs going back into the gallery. It was a huge pain in the ass to install! But definitely worth it.

What’s next for Lazinc?

Sleep!

Images courtesy JR and Lazinc