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@ NOSTRPUNK
2024-11-09 12:49:50The historic auction of Steve Lazarides' Banksy collection represents a significant moment in street art history, offering unprecedented insight into one of the world's most enigmatic artists. The collection, which sold for approximately $1.4 million at Julien's Auctions, featured over 170 lots of rare artworks and personal artifacts[5].
Notable Sales
The auction's centerpiece was an original proof print of "Girl with Balloon," embossed with the P.O.W. (Pictures on Walls) mark, which sold for $104,000, significantly exceeding its $60,000 estimate[5]. Other significant pieces included:
- A Banksy "Hooded Figure" painting that fetched $78,000[1]
- An original hand-cut stencil featuring Banksy's name, selling for $58,500[5]
- Original concept sketches for the "Paparazzi Rat" stencil series on a manila envelope, which achieved $52,000[5]
Personal Artifacts
Among the most intriguing items were 15 "burner" phones used for communication between Lazarides and Banksy[1]. The collection also included Banksy's worn Puma "Turf War" sneakers and various personal items that offered glimpses into their working relationship[8].
Historical Significance
The sale represents more than just a collection of artworks; it documents a pivotal period in street art history. Lazarides and Banksy established Pictures On Walls (P.O.W.) with the mission of creating affordable art for the masses[1]. As Lazarides noted, "For a very short moment in time we made a difference, we made it OK for ordinary people to like art"[8].
Legacy and Future
While Lazarides has retained some personal items, including angry notes from Banksy, he stated he doesn't need "1,000 prints to prove I worked with Banksy"[5]. This auction not only celebrates their collaborative history but also marks a significant transition as Lazarides returns to his photography practice[5].
The sale underscores the enduring value of Banksy's work and the continuing intrigue surrounding his anonymous identity, which has become central to his artistic brand[3]. It also highlights how anonymity in street art can paradoxically enhance an artist's fame and market value[9].
Sauce: 1. Banksy's Girl with Balloon print sells for £80,000 at auction
2. Who is Banksy? A guide to the street artist, printmaker and anti-establishment provocateur
4. Overview of Banksy Prints - Banksy Explained
5. Banksy's Right-Hand Man Cashes In, Selling His Trove of Work By the Street Artist
6 .Branding the Unbrandable: Banksy and the Mystery of the Anonymous Brand
7. Banksy APs | Guide | Andipa Editions
8. Historic Banksy Collection from Steve Lazarides to be Auctioned at Julien's
9. Unmasking the Mystery: The Role of Anonymity in Street Art and the Enigma of Banksy
10. Market Watch Banksy: Top 10 Most Investable Prints | MyArtBroker
11. JULIEN'S AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES "UNDER DURESS: THE BANKSY ARCHIVE OF STEVE LAZARIDES AUCTION"