The artist known as the ‘female Banksy’ has had her work stolen. Art thieves made off with street art by Bambi the work was taken from a pop-up gallery in north London – according to a report in the Telegraph. The art, which is reportedly worth £20,000 was meant to promote a similar work by the female street artist that will be auctioned for the benefit of the London based charity Art Against Knives. The charity was set up as a response to the stabbing of Central St Martins art student Oliver Helmsey, in August 2008.
The work stolen from the pop-up exhibition consisted of five black and white stenciled mural images of sharks with mouths open with teeth bared along with patterns of ‘flower-like’ bright colour. The art had painted messages such as: “Turn and face your fears and watch them melt into roses.” The murals were stolen by people who broke into the building site of a pop-up gallery in Upper Street, Islington, on October 8 – according to The Telegraph – Police are asking for information about the stolen works and for anyone with knowledge of the works to come forward.
Art Against knives clarified the situation with a statement: “The piece was originally created as part of an event hosted by Aria for London Design Festival in support of ART AGAINST KNIVES. Aria said today. It is a sad loss for Bambi, Art Against Knives and Aria. The installation was created to promote the charity for our event and we are truly shocked that someone has taken it. Fortunately the piece made for the auction is safe and sound with us. All we want is to bring our Sharks home!”
Bambi started to gain attention back in 2011 after her depiction of late singer Amy Winehouse that appeared on a door in Camden. The artist then went on to create stencil portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss and Cara Delevingine. Her collectors include high profile celebrities, the report says, including Rihanna, Adele, Robbie Williams, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.