artnet Auctions Presents: Banksy
New York/Berlin (PRWEB) November 01, 2013 -- artnet Auctions is pleased to announce Banksy, a sale surveying the work of this infamous street artist. Renowned across the globe for his mysterious persona and satirical works critiquing contemporary culture, Banksy recently resurfaced after years of silence with the New York City show, Better out than in: an artist’s residency on the streets of New York. In celebration of his highly anticipated return, we have gathered over 20 of our favorite Banksy prints, ranging in value from US$3,000 to 90,000, live for bidding on artnet Auctions until November 7, 2013.
Among the sale’s highlights is the 2005 print Jack and Jill (Police Kids), estimated at US$7,000–10,000. Banksy’s depiction of two children donning police vests while running through water exemplifies the blend of iconic imagery and irreverent humor that only Banksy could achieve. The perfect portrayal of childhood innocence in this idyllic image of frolicking, laughing children is tarnished by the bulletproof vests reading “Police” that Jack and Jill wear for protection. Here, Bansky’s disdain for the police is highlighted as he sheds light on contemporary society, where innocence is all but lost.
Contempt for authority has been a common theme throughout Banksy’s career, and is observed in countless images disparaging the police. For his first commercial print release in 2002, the artist chose the controversial image of a British police officer prominently flashing the middle finger at the viewer. Offered here with an estimate of US$10,000–15,000, Rude Copper symbolizes the unique guerrilla-style, anti-establishment sentiment that has made Banksy so popular throughout the world.
Also featured in the sale is Banksy’s 2007 print, Trolley Hunters, estimated at US$6,000–8,000. Furthering his critique on society and taking a stance on consumerism, this work comically depicts tribal hunters “hunting” for grocery shopping carts. Here, Banksy questions the impact of Westernization through the juxtaposition of conflicting imagery, thus altering the viewer’s perception of consumer culture through role reversals. Banksy’s sardonic images are often underscored by his actions, and most recently, the artist made a jab at capitalism by selling his canvases, typically worth tens of thousands of dollars, in New York City’s Central Park for just US$60.
While Banksy often flouts economic institutions and authorities, it is clear he has a great appreciation for his predecessors. His last commercial print release, Choose Your Weapon (2010), estimated at US$15,000–20,000, is a playful nod to Keith Haring. Banksy pays homage to the street artist pioneer who helped pave the way for the acceptance of graffiti within the art world. The seemingly flat and simplistic style of Keith Haring is contrasted with Banksy's stencil work, which is rich with detailing and depth. Set on a dark orange background, this screenprint is a clever commentary on the evolution of Street and Graffiti Art.
In an earlier print, Soup Can (2005), Banksy references the most famous pop symbol of the 21st century, Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup cans. Banksy substitutes a cheap, "extra value" can of tomato soup from British supermarket, Tesco for Warhol's Campbell's. This wonderful homage to the Pop-Art icon is presented twice in the sale, once from the signed artist’s proof of 10 (estimated at US$12,000–15,000), and again in the unsigned edition of 250 (estimated at US$5,500–6,500), providing a range of options for all Banksy fans.
The Banksy Sale will be live on artnet Auctions from October 29 through November 7, 2013, and on view at http://www.artnet.com/auctions/search/?q=keyword-banksy_2013/.
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For more information about this sale, please contact artnet Auctions specialist:
Alex Benrimon
Associate Specialist, Prints
+1-212-497-9700 ext. 147
ABenrimon(at)artnet(dot)com
Brittany Noris
Associate Specialist, Contemporary Art
+1-212-497-9700 ext. 131
BNoris(at)artnet(dot)com
Media Contacts:
To receive further information and images, or to arrange interviews, members of the media may contact:
Elizabeth Reina-Longoria or Deirdre Maher
+1-212-675-1800
Elizabeth(at)bluemedium(dot)com or Deirdre(at)bluemedium(dot)com
About artnet:
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About artnet Auctions:
With 24/7 worldwide bidding, artnet Auctions is the world’s first online auction platform to buy and sell Modern and Contemporary paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and more. artnet has been online since 1995, and is host to approximately 2 million visitors each month. Through the artnet Price Database and artnet Galleries, artnet is the leading online resource for the international art market.
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Alex Benrimon, artnet Auctions, http://www.artnet.com/auctions, 1-212-497-9700 Ext: 147, [email protected]
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