Category: Auctions

2024, Auctions, Ephemera, USA

Interesting interview with Steve Lazarides about Banksy’s early years. 14 October 2024

by R.A.

Steve Lazarides undoubtedly has played a significant role in Banksy’s career, both as his agent during his most defining period from 2002 to 2008 and as his photographer. The 30-minute documentary/interview is part of the promotion for an upcoming auction at Julien’s in Los Angeles, where Lazarides is selling a chunk of his unique Banksy collection. 

The auction catalogue has some spectacular pieces—original drawings, sketches, handwritten notes, proof screen prints, etc. Here is the link to the auction:

https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/auctions/under-duress-the-banksy-archive-of-steve-lazarides-565

2021, Auctions, Charity, Originals

Game Changer canvas sold for £16.8 million at Christie’s. 23 March 2021

by R.A.

After a 20-minute bidding duel, the hammer landed at GBP 14,400,000. With the Buyers Premium, the buyer has to cough up GBP 16,758,000 – a new auction record for a Banksy canvas. The seller is NHS and the Southampton University Hospital. According to the lot sheet from Christie’s: “The proceeds will be used to support the wellbeing of University Hospital Southampton staff and patients.”

Screenshot: Sothebys.com

2020, Auctions, Charity, Originals

‘Mediterranean Sea View’ sold for £2,235,000 at Sotheby’s. 28 July 2020

by R.A.

Banksy’s take on the refugee crisis went for £2,235,000, including buyer’s premium, at Sotheby’s ‘Rembrandt to Richter’ auction, more than double the initial estimate. The selling party was ABCD Bethlehem, a Palestinian charity, after receiving the piece as a donation from Banksy. The information sheet for the lot continues: “All proceeds will go towards building a new acute stroke unit and purchasing children’s rehabilitation equipment for BASR hospital in Bethlehem.” 

The triptych has been on display at Walled Off Hotel since its opening in March 2017. Due to the coronavirus situation, the hotel remains closed until further notice. The question is whether the hotel will open again or if the sale marks the beginning of the end for the iconic hotel. Hopefully not. See the previous post: The Walled Off Hotel. Palestine, March 2017.

2017 UP Mediterranean seaview
Photo: Sotheby’s

2018, Auctions, Originals, Pranks, UK

Shredding at Sotheby’s. 5 October 2018

by R.A.

From Sotheby’s webpage:

“In a moment that caught the art world by surprise, Banksy’s Girl with Balloon self-destructed just as the final hammer signaled the end of an evening of auctions in London. The work sold for £1,042,000 ($1.4 million), tying the artist’s record in pounds at auction previously achieved in 2008. The framed work, spray paint and acrylic on canvas, mounted on board depicted a girl reaching out toward a bright red, heart shaped balloon – one of Banksy’s most iconic images – began to pass through a shredder hidden in the frame.” 

20181005 - Banksy Instagram - Shredding at Sotheby

Photo: Banksy’s Instagram

Days after the shredding, Banksy published the following two clips on his Youtube-channel:

Sotheby’s, October 5th 2018

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Shredding the Girl and Balloon – The Director’s half cut