Known for our original Banksy paintings and Banksy prints, many great works have passed through Andipa. Inspiring, provocative and witty Banksy’s artworks always become a point of discussion for our team and for our visitors both in person and digitally. In his own words, Director Acoris shares three works that have cemented Banksy as one of his favourite artists.
Are you using that chair?
Imposing is certainly the first word that comes to mind when I think of ‘Are you using that chair?’. What first interested me about this work is that it isn’t very Banksy at all. There is no evidence of stencil work or street art per se, this is pure studio. The piece does not resemble what one would usually think of as a Banksy. Indeed, what is brilliantly present is the artist’s wit and painterliness, demonstrating the multi-discipline talent of the elusive street artist. I love the humour which reminds me of the 80’s and 90’s in Britain. Immediately, we see a stereotypical Brit abroad- complete with Union Jack swimming trunks - pointing into the diner with a cracked window and forlorn chair lying on the floor - the scene inspired by Hopper’s The Nighthawks. I had this in my second ever Banksy exhibition in 2007/8 and we could barely get inside the building. I always wanted to hang this next to the Hopper in Chicago!!
Rubber Ducky
Rubber Ducky is just simple and delicious? Hockney’s Pool with a bit of punk and tongue in cheek, almost cartoonlike. Sitting or floating obliviously, in what one would presume is a safe place for a duck, a sinister shark lurks just below the surface ready to pounce. The tension and context in that just leaves me smiling, combined with the swirling bath suds, how can you not feel better in your day. This work is currently in our Lugano museum exhibition (unauthorised of course) and I have a beautiful photograph of one of my little daughters mesmerised by it. That’s what it’s all about.
Love is in the Air (Hessian)
Love is in the Air exists in various formats be it print, cardboard and canvas. The particular LITTA (which I love) is the 90 cm x 90cm hessian version. It goes without saying that this work needs no introduction and is one of the most iconic motifs by the artist, but this version in particular does stand out from the others. The work one of contrasts. Warming yet bare. Bright flowers. Cold stance. Anger. Love. Is it about human spirit or rebellion, only the artist knows. Mr Banksy, perhaps when I reach 20 years of working with your paintings you can send me one of these . . . only three years to go. I’d love to have one back on my wall.
We thought our delightful conversation would make for interesting reading - what are your stand out Banksy paintings?. For more information on any of our Banksy original art for sale or Banksy prints for sale contact Andipa via sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7581 1244