Published 05:25 IST, November 3rd 2019
Banksy: The world's most mysterious and elusive street artist
Active since the 1990s the mysterious Banksy’s artwork which often showcases political statements has unexpectedly appeared in various parts of the world.
The anonymous England-based street artist, vandal, political activist, and film director, the mysterious Banksy who has been active since the 1990s has finally been photographed in behind-the-scenes images showing him at work. In the series of new photographs, the elusive artist can be seen creating several of his famous works. The photographs were taken by his former agent and driver, photographer Steve Lazarides.
Banksy’s artwork often showcases political statements
Ever since beginning with his artistic and mysterious career, Banksy’s artwork which often showcases political statements has unexpectedly appeared in various parts of the world. In an interview with a foreign publication, Steve Lazarides states that for 11 amazing years the elusive Banksy and he broke every rule in the book along with a couple of laws. Lazarides adds that he only worked for the artist because Banksy spearheaded the movement into the “stratosphere”.
Banksy, arguably the most famous artist of today’s era has against all odds remained to be elusive and anonymous and this has helped him increase the buzz around his work. Two of his artworks have been sold for double of their price, with one of them selling for approximately ₹3 crore in 2007. In more recent times, one of Banksy’s most famous artwork the ‘Girl with a Balloon’ sold for approximately ₹8.6 crore at an auction and this artwork doubled in value after the frame which contained the pieces shredded it, the frame too was designed by Banksy.
Banksy’s artwork sold for over ₹10 crore
Banksy’s artwork of a Devolved Parliament depicting the members as Chimpanzees has been sold at the auction, on October 4, for over ₹10 crore. The bidding battle for the monumental painting, which was created in 2009, lasted for almost 13 minutes. The auction was held at Sotheby’s in London where Banksy’s “Girl With Balloon” work was sold last year before it got partially shredded.
“Record price for a Banksy painting set at auction tonight. Shame I didn’t still own it,” wrote Banksy in an Instagram post. He quoted art critic Robert Hughes apparently questioning the record-breaking price of his artwork. “...But the price of a work of art is now part of its function, it’s new job is to sit on the wall and get more expensive,” the post read. “Instead of being the common property of humankind the way a book is, art becomes the particular property of someone who can afford it,” it added.
Who is Banksy?
Banksy is again up to usual antics and now his latest stunt has again hyped interest in unmasking the art world’s most mysterious figure. Now the question to be answered is who is Banksy? Is it an organisation or a singular person? For the time being, all we can do is wait and anticipate.
Updated 06:26 IST, November 3rd 2019