Banksy explains why and how he destroyed artwork that had just been sold for £1m
‘The urge to destroy is also a creative urge,’ says Bristol-based artist
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Banksy has revealed how he secretly built a shredder into a painting so it would self-destruct moments after being sold for more than £1m.
The anonymous street artist posted a video on Instagram showing Girl with a Balloon being sliced into strips at a Sotheby’s auction.
He claimed that the preparations were carried out “a few years ago” and defended the stunt with a quote from Picasso: “The urge to destroy is also a creative urge.”
Banksy’s video begins with the caption: “A few years ago, I secretly built a shredder into a painting ... in case it was ever put up for auction.”
An unidentified person in a hoodie is seen installing the sharp blades in the frame of the picture.
The video then cuts to Sotheby’s as the auctioneer begins taking bids for the artwork, rising from £100,000 through £400,000 before ending on £860,000, which, taken together with the buyer’s premium, made a final total of £1m.
As the hammer goes down to confirm the sale, the crowd cheers – only for the frame to emit a bleeping sound as the painting is shredded.
Banksy did not explain how the device was activated.
He celebrated the prank with a post on Instagram with the caption: “Going, going, gone...”
Sotheby’s senior director and head of contemporary art, Alex Branczik, said: “It appears we just got Banksy-ed.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments