Share
Banksy posted a new video to his website Tuesday implying the partial shredding of his “Girl With Balloon” at a London auction was supposed to have been complete.
The act shocked the crowd, but the winning bidder, a European collector, went ahead and bought it anyway for $1.4 million, according to the auction house.
Sotheby’s did not name the buyer. The partial shredding drew speculation that the act was a stunt to increase the value of the painting of a young girl reaching for a heart-shaped red balloon.
The canvas was shredded to right above the girl’s head, leaving the balloon intact. The end of the new video notes: “In rehearsals it worked every time…” A complete shredding of the same design is then shown.
Shred the Love, the Director’s Cut
The nearly 3-minute long video is titled, “Shred the Love, the Director’s cut.” It shows hands and a hooded figure (Banksy is fond of hoodies) constructing the mechanism in a studio space, then it rolls on to the outside of Sotheby’s before the auction. People milling about sipping Champagne and nibbling hors d’oeuvres are next up, including some standing in front of the painting.
The auction and partial shredding are shown, as is the work being taken off the wall at Sotheby’s and carried out of the room.
Banksy has never disclosed his full identity. He began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has become one of the world’s best-known artists.
His mischievous and often satirical images include two policemen kissing, armed riot police with yellow smiley faces and a chimpanzee with a sign bearing the words, “Laugh now, but one day I’ll be in charge.”
His “Girl With Balloon” was originally stenciled on a wall in east London and has been endlessly reproduced, becoming one of Banksy’s best-known images.
RELATED TOPICS:
Tabloid Publisher Says He Pledged to Be Trump Campaign’s ‘Eyes and Ears’ During 2016 Race
19 hours ago
General Motors Reports Strong First-Quarter Profits as Prices Help Offset Small US Sales Dip
19 hours ago
Caitlin Clark Is Set to Sign a New Nike Deal Valued at $28 Million Over 8 Years, Reports Say
20 hours ago
A Far-Right German EU Lawmaker’s Aide Is Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for China
21 hours ago
Wall Street Rallies and Adds to Its Hot Start to the Week
21 hours ago
Tent Compound Rises in Southern Gaza as Israel Prepares for Rafah Offensive