The anonymous graffiti artist known as Banksy is perhaps the most controversial street artist of today. He is famous for his stenciled graffiti works, which appear in public spaces around the world. His use of stenciling developed from a need to complete a work quickly, namely to avoid being caught vandalizing by police. Banksy often uses multi-layered stencils to employ multiple colors, and he frequently incorporates permanent environmental fixtures, such as street signs and architectural elements, into his work. Marked by dark humor, satire, and political commentary, much of his street art has become viral on the Internet. His most notable early work was the result of a trip to Palestine and the West Bank, where he stenciled nine images on the Bethlehem Wall. Despite his stealth presence, Banksy has become a mainstream phenomenon. In 2010 Banksy directed Exit Through the Gift Shop, a chronicle of the underground world of street art, which was nominated for Best Documentary at the Oscars. In 2015, he opened Dismaland Bemusement Park, a temporary exhibition of an inverted, dystopian Disneyland. Although Banksy has continuously emphasized an aversion to the art world through his output, he also produces traditional works on canvas and prints as well as branded merchandise such as t-shirts. His cultural significance, widespread popularity, and, certainly, the mystery of his identity have all contributed to the desirability of his art. According to Sotheby’s Mei Moses, the average compound annual return for Banksy is 8.5%, with 76.5% of works increasing in value.

Banksy

Modern & Contemporary Evening Auction

Banksy b. 1973 Love Is In The Air (life size) signed and dated 11 (on the overlap) spray paint and oil on canvas 210 by 210 cm. 82⁵⁄₈ by 82⁵⁄₈ in. Executed in 2011. This work is accompanied by a Pest Control Certificate of Authenticity.

View 1 of Lot 137: Love Is In The Air (life size)

love is in the air (life size)

Contemporary Day Auction

Banksy b. 1973 Lenin in Sight spray paint on board 58.8 by 60.1 cm. 23¼ by 23¼ in. framed: 68.4 by 69.8 cm. 26⅞ by 27½ in. Executed in 2004. This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Pest Control.

lenin in sight

Banksy b. 1974 Kate Moss AP signed in pencil, dated, inscribed and numbered AP/04; also signed 'Kate Moss' screenprint on wove paper sheet: 70 by 70 cm. 27½ by 27½ in. Executed in 2005, this impression is number 4 from the edition of 12, published by Pictures on Walls.

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