Banksy painting reportedly stolen from show unauthorized by artist

Toronto police are investigating a report that aBanksy artwork was stolen from a Toronto exhibit curated by one of the artist's former agents.

Police received a report Saturday about the possible theft of a painting from the Sterling Road exhibit in Toronto's west end, where the $35-million Art of Banksyexhibit is debuting as part of a larger North American run.

• UPDATE:Toronto police have released a video of a male suspect stealing the artwork

The exhibit, by curator Steve Lazarides, was not endorsed by the artist himself and was set to open Wednesday.

Both Lazarides and his publicist refused to confirm the report or comment on the investigation.

The exhibit was set to show 80 of the artist's pieces and has a ticket price of $35, charged by Live Nation and Starvox Exhibits.

Asked earlier what the anti-capitalist artist might think of the public having to pay to see his work, Lazarides told CBCNews earlier this week he felt Banksy would prefer his work to be on display rather than stored in a collector's basement somewhere.

Police have so far released no details other than to say 11 Division is investigating.