Banksy

Banksy:

The world's most enigmatic artist, Banksy has revolutionized contemporary art through his provocative street works and masterful prints. His satirical commentary on politics, capitalism, and social issues has transformed graffiti and street art into a respected art form. Explore our collection of Pest Control authenticated Banksy prints for sale, including signed and unsigned editions and prints.

"I make a lot of mistakes but I keep them. I use them and recycle them.”

Notable Sales:

  • Banksy Love In the Bin

    Love is in the Bin (2018/2021)

    In an unprecedented moment in auction history, Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon' self-shredded immediately after selling for £1 million at Sotheby's. The partially shredded artwork was renamed 'Love is in the Bin' and became an instant icon of performance art. The transformed piece later resold for £18.5 million in 2021, setting a new auction record for the artist and proving his ability to challenge the art market while profiting from it.

  • Game Changer (2020)

    Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, 'Game Changer' appeared overnight at Southampton General Hospital, depicting a young boy playing with a nurse superhero doll. The original artwork was auctioned at Christie's for £16.7 million, with proceeds benefiting NHS charities. This sale demonstrated both Banksy's market strength and his commitment to social causes.

  • Devolved Parliament (2009)

    Devolved Parliament,' depicting chimpanzees debating in the House of Commons, sold for £9.9 million at Sotheby's in 2019. The monumental canvas, measuring four meters wide, set what was then a new auction record for Banksy. This sale coincided with intense Brexit debates, showing how Banksy's political commentary resonates with collectors and captures historical moments.

Contact an Advisor

Interested in a different artwork? Our advisors can source any Banksy artwork through our network of private collectors.

Biography:

Banksy has emerged as the most significant street artist of the 21st century, transforming urban art into a revolutionary force in the contemporary art market. First appearing in Bristol's underground scene in the 1990s, his provocative stencil works have evolved from street interventions to highly sought-after limited edition prints and original artworks.

Working in signature stencil technique, Banksy's artistic practice spans street art, sculptural installations, and editioned prints. His satirical works critique war, capitalism, and social inequality through a distinctive visual language that combines dark humor with masterful artistic execution. From early works like 'Girl with Balloon' to recent prints like 'Banksquiat,' his limited editions have become cornerstones of significant contemporary art collections.

Major milestones in Banksy's career include his seminal 2006 'Barely Legal' exhibition in Los Angeles, the 2009 'Banksy versus Bristol Museum' show, and his 2015 'Dismaland' installation. His market significance grew exponentially after the legendary 2018 Sotheby's auction where 'Girl with Balloon' self-shredded, creating 'Love is in the Bin' - an event that epitomizes his ability to challenge art world conventions.

Banksy's signed prints and editions are authenticated through Pest Control, his verification body, ensuring artwork legitimacy in a complex market. His limited edition prints, often released through Pictures on Walls (POW) and Gross Domestic Product™, have shown remarkable market performance, with pieces like 'Love Rat' and 'Choose Your Weapon' achieving significant prices in the secondary market.

Today, Banksy's influence extends beyond street art into the highest echelons of the contemporary art world. His authentic prints and original artworks are represented in major museum collections including the British Museum and Tate Modern, while his signed editions continue to command strong market presence through leading galleries and auctions worldwide.

Notable Shows:

  • Banksy vs Bristol Museum (2009)

    In a takeover of the Bristol Museum, Banksy secretly installed over 100 works in his home city's most prestigious cultural institution. The exhibition drew over 300,000 visitors in just 12 weeks, with daily queues stretching around the block.

  • Barely Legal (2006)

    Held in an industrial warehouse in Los Angeles, 'Barely Legal' launched Banksy onto the international stage with a spectacular three-day exhibition. The show's centerpiece was a live painted elephant, highlighting society's ignorance of global poverty, alongside numerous new paintings and prints.

  • banksy dismaland poster

    Dismaland (2015)

    Transforming a derelict lido in Weston-super-Mare, Banksy created 'Dismaland,' a dystopian theme park described as a 'family theme park unsuitable for children.' The installation featured works by 58 artists, including Damien Hirst and Jenny Holzer, drawing over 150,000 visitors during its five-week run.

Sell Banksy Art

Same-day, confidential, no-obligation purchase offers for your Banksy prints and editions.