Banksy Auction Signals Embrace By Art Establishment

17 art works by the internationally renowned graffiti artist, Banksy, will be going under the hammer at Bonhams Urban Art Sale on 29 March 2012

It is the first time that some of the art work has been up for auction, with many pieces fetching some serious pre-sale estimations. Alan Montgomery, Urban Art Specialist at Bonhams said that interest in Banksy’s work is still very high: ‘It seems that the public just can’t get enough of him, and his continued anonymity, even following last year’s Oscar Nomination, only adds to his enigma.’

One of the highlights is a screen print of British supermodel Kate Moss, 2005, inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe series, which has been estimated at £30,000 – 50,000. This work will be on display alongside Warhol’s screenprint of a Dollar Sign (estimate £20,000 – 30,000), which is part of the Contemporary Two: Modern Design sale, also on 29 March 2012

Another highlight is ‘Leopard and Barcode” which has which has never before been seen at auction, but has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £60,000 – £80,000. Plus, ‘Girl and Balloon’ is estimated to go for £15,000-£25,000, and ‘Bomb Hugger’ for N estimated £40,000- £60,000). 

Three portraits by American contemporary artist and graphic designer, Shepard Fairey, best-known for his iconic Barack Obama Change poster in support of Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, will also be on show. They include Debby Harry, 2010; Flava Flav, 2002; and one of the presidential campaign series, Hope, featuring Obama.

Follow ArtLyst on Twitter for breaking art news and latest exhibition reviews