HMV is one of the artist’s earlier works which first appeared on the streets of Bristol around the early 2000’s. The HMV motif evolved over time and also appeared on the wall of Shoreditch based nightclub Cargo with a bright orange, abstract shaped background - a collaboration with street artist Style who graffitied the background.
Moving away from more exotic animals that feature in a number of guises (elephants, leopards and monkeys), ‘HMV’ brings the viewer firmly into the territory of the quotidien with its use of a domestic animal and its adaption of the HMV logo. In ‘HMV’ we see the artist referencing and repurposing the iconic logo of the famous British music and entertainment company HMV. The logo itself is derivative of a painting by the Liverpudlian artist Francis Barraud that depicts a dog, called Nipper, listening intently to a cylinder phonograph reportedly of his deceased master’s voice. In Banksy’s adaptation, the painting shows a seated dog facing a gramophone. Casually holding a bazooka rocket launcher, the anthropomorphised pooch has been thoroughly subverted.
Violence and rebellion occur as the dog, taking arms against its master, to dry comic effect forgoes the usual tropes of being a “good boy”. As with Banksy’s canon of artworks, there is a deeper meaning behind the seemingly simple imagery and HMV is no exception. Could the work be a comment on the old vs the young? An attack on the commercialisation of art in many forms? Provocative and evocative, the work (however it can be read) is one of Banksy’s most well known pieces.
Measuring 60 x 90 cm the work itself is imposing and invites, nay demands, that we engage with it. Much like the cannon carrying canine, the canvas, with its beautiful gloss background, crisp lines of the stencil and enthralling depth creating shadow, is a masterful expression of the talent and composition of the artist.
On HMV, Director Acoris Andipa says, “Dealing with Banksy’s artworks for the past 15 years has always been a pleasure on both a personal and professional level. Many works have passed through our gallery over the years and, whilst all are special, this particular painting resonates in particular. For collectors looking for a low edition, iconic painting then I would say that they would be hard pressed to do better than HMV. Thought-provoking, amusing and witty - HMV for me is one of Banksy’s truly timeless works, one that invites discussion but one that also can be appreciated for the simple pleasure of being a fantastic work in its own right”.
For more information on HMV and to speak to our gallery, contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7581 1244 where we would be delighted to arrange a viewing of the piece for you either in person or via video messenger. View more of our selection of Banksy art for sale or, specifically, Banksy prints for sale.