Banksy is a pseudonymous street artist known for his provocative and thought-provoking artworks that often challenge the status quo and question the role of authority and power in society. Over the last 25 years, Banksy has used his art to critique the monarchy and those in positions of power, using a combination of humour, irony, and subversion to highlight their flaws and contradictions.
One of Banksy's most iconic artworks, "Di-Faced Tenner," is a satirical take on the British monarchy and the cult of personality surrounding it. In this piece, Banksy replaced the image of Queen Elizabeth II on a ten-pound note with that of Princess Diana, who was widely loved and adored by the public. By doing so, Banksy comments on the celebrity culture that surrounds the royal family and the way in which they are often treated as idols rather than public servants. The title ‘Di-Faced’, plays on the word defaced creating a counterfeit parody of the £10 note by replacing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with that of the late Princess Diana. Instead of the Bank of England, the note reads, ‘Banksy of England’ and below the banner, an inscription reads, ‘I promise to pay the bearer on demand the ultimate price’, a reference to the fate of the Princess. With regards to quality and production, the note is printed using inks on paper almost identical to that used on official UK-issued currency.
Queen Vic by Banksy is an early print by the artist that was released by Pictures on Walls in an edition of just 50 signed pieces and 500 unsigned works. One of the most provocative and sexualised of all Banksy works, the artwork depicts Queen Victoria sitting on the face of a woman.
The monarch, dressed in full ceremonial regalia, wears a crown and carries a sceptre whilst the lady underneath is sprawled in stockings and suspenders. Created in the typical stencil style for which the artist is known, the red background adds an eye-catching contrast to the jet black and white outlines of the two principal figures.
The inspiration for the work can be said to come from a statement attributed to the monarch that women ‘were not able to be gay’. Indeed, Queen Victoria passed anti-homosexual laws that further contributed to the marginalisation and punishment of homosexuals at the time - laws that continued until the late 1960s. Here we see Banksy’s thinly veiled attack on the establishment through a subversive use of imagery and humour creating a piece with exceptional shock value. The Queen, representing power and control, subjugates and suffocates her unfortunate victim which could represent the lower classes.
Released in a signed edition of 150 and an unsigned edition of 600, Monkey Queen was sold originally at Banksy’s seminal Turf War exhibition at a warehouse in Kingsland Road in London’s East End. A street mural of the work appeared stencilled outside the London club Chill Out Zone which was subsequently removed by the authorities for Queen Elizabeth’s golden jubilee which marked the 50th anniversary of her coronation.
It is not just monarchy that faces the scrutiny of Banksy. The concept and institution by definition represents power and authority. Two themes which the artist is known to subvert and question throughout his output.
In his piece "Kissing Coppers," Banksy depicted two male police officers in a passionate embrace, challenging the traditional notions of masculinity and authority. The piece was created at a time when homosexuality was still largely stigmatised in mainstream society, and it was seen as a bold statement against homophobia and discrimination.
Another of Banksy's pieces, "One Nation Under CCTV," features a CCTV camera in the place of one of the stars on the American flag. The artwork comments on the surveillance state and the erosion of privacy that has come with the rise of technology and the proliferation of CCTV cameras in public spaces.
Overall, Banksy's artworks use humour, irony, and subversion to challenge the traditional notions of power and authority in society. His pieces often reference historical events and figures, highlighting the continuity between past and present. Through his art, Banksy encourages viewers to question the status quo and to imagine a world that is more just, equitable, and compassionate.
Discover our selection of Banksy signed and unsigned prints for sale or buy original Banksy artworks. Contact Andipa Editions via sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371 for further information on any of our Banksy artworks.