BEHIND THE ART: BANKSY

Our art specialist Elise delves into the significance of Banksy's most iconic works, available in our current Urban & Contemporary Art auction.

 

 

GIRL WITH BALLOON, 2004 

Lot 163 

After making a debut on the London streets in 2002, Girl With Balloon has become perhaps Banksy’s most iconic and recognisable image. The iconography of a young girl reaching for a red balloon has become symbolic, communicating with a global audience through its ambiguity and space for discussion. Although the stencil is seemingly simplistic, the complexity of the image lies within the composition and meticulous use of colour. Themes of hope, uncertainty and freedom are suggested, but it’s the absent explanation that allows Banksy’s imagery to become something so powerful and articulate. Whilst the original street works no longer exist, the imagery has become something much greater than Graffiti, claiming a place within twentieth century art.

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BARCODE, 2003

Lot 168a

Barcode, presents another social critique on consumerism and nature as a commodity. Depicted over 20 years ago, the work still remains relevant today through continued conversation of wildlife exploitation and environmental politics. Banksy’s use of visual representation challenges important conversations within society, encouraging discussion amongst the observer. Whilst the image originated as a street piece in Bristol, it no longer exists in its original urban context like many Banksy works.

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LENIN WITH ROLLERSKATES, 2003

Lot 165 

Executed in 2003, Lenin On Rollerskates presents Vladimir Lenin skating on a pair of Nike rollerskates. Throughout Banksy’s practice there is a satirical commentary on capitalism, politics and popular culture. Banksy’s portrayal of the ex-soviet leader, uses playfulness and humour to create social commentary and re-contextualises the authority figure. This canvas now exists as one of only 25 works, signed, dated, numbered and tagged Banksy to the canvas overlap.

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PULP FICTION, 2004

Lot 167

Pulp Fiction 2004 disrupts the iconic still from the 1994 film, by simply replacing the guns with bananas. The simple transition completely shifts the image, replacing an iconic moment within popular culture with a re-imagined, humorous version. By removing the seriousness and threat of the original still, the viewer is forced to shift their original perception of the image. The alteration is minor, yet it disrupts the entire narrative. The original mural of this work appeared in Old street in 2002, but was unfortunately removed in 2007. This screenprint was later released in 2004 and exists from a numbered edition of 600.

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