some sort of Banksy retrospective
In his own words:
“What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?
Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated.”
Banksy comments the BLM-issue with a precious oil/acrylic canvass and a thoughtful message.
Photographs: Banksy’s Instagram
As reported by The Guardian a few hours after the piece appeared at the Southampton General Hospital in the southern UK:
“Banksy left a note for hospital workers, saying: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”
After lockdown measures are lifted, the piece – which is approximately one metre square – will be put on public display. It will then be auctioned to raise money for NHS charities, a spokeswoman for Banksy confirmed.
Paula Head, the chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS foundation trust, said: “Here at Southampton, our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends. The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honour.”
“It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art. It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital.”
Photographs: Banksy’s Instagram
In his own words: “My wife hates it when I work from home.”
A bittersweet reminder for us comfortable westerners that Christmas is not a celebration of peace, joy, and overeating for everyone.
In Banksy’s own words:
“Scar of Bethlehem.
A modified nativity set for the @walledoffhotel”
The same piece installed at the Walled Off Hotel:
Banksy’s handling service Pest Control Office has created one of the most efficient certification systems in the art world. For some time, they have also been active in the second-hand market as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of Banksy’s certified prints and unique studio work. (This has nothing to do with street-art pieces.)
Now it seems like they are taking it to a whole new level with the announced launch of http://www.Bbay.shop. It is an interesting development for the booming secondary market in Banksy artwork, and will hopefully set a new standard for transparency in the art market.
After a 13-minute bidding duel for “Devolved Parliament” at Sotheby’s Evening Sale, a new auction record was set for Banksy with an £8.5 million hammer price. Including the buyer’s premium, the buyer has to cough up with £9.9 million. Banksy did comment the sale a few hours later on his Instagram account:
Banksy hit the Venice Biennale uninvited with a contemporary message. In his own words on Instagram:
“Setting out my stall at the Venice Biennale. Despite being the largest and most prestigious art event in the world, for some reason I’ve never been invited.”
Photo: http://www.banksy.co.uk
“Monkey Parliament” was originally exhibited at the “Banksy vs Bristol Museum” in the summer of 2009. The show attracted over 300,000 visitors and was the most visited art exhibition in the UK that year.
The piece is one of Banksy’s largest oil paintings, 4 meters by 2.5 meters. The artwork is on display once again at Bristol Museum for 6 months, from the 28 March to the 1 September 2019.
Pictures of the new piece were posted on 1 February on several independent Instagram accounts.
Photos: @francas on Instagram
Walled Off Hotel opened almost two years ago in Bethlehem, only six kilometers south of downtown Jerusalem, but on the other side of the wall. The hotel is a piece of art in itself and at the same time a huge political statement, all mixed with Banksy’s usual charm and wit. A visit is highly recommendable. See previous post: The Walled Off Hotel. Palestine, March 2017.
