A print of Banksy‘s famous Girl with a Balloon artwork has been sold for more than 100,000 dollars at an American auction.
The original proof print by the British street artist raked in $104,000, around £80,652, twice the expected price at a Los Angeles auction.
All of the pieces were offered to the public by Julien’s Auctions from the ‘astonishing’ collection of the artist’s agent and photographer Steve Lazarides.
The original Hooded Figure painting previously sold for $78,000, equivalent to £60,496.
Other items from the artist included an original hand-cut stencil of Banksy’s name which sold for $58,000 dollars or £44,984 while a series of sketches by the reclusive artist on a manilla featuring concept designs for his Paparazzi Rat stencil went for $52,000 or £40,336.
As part of the auction, were also 15 burner phones used by Lazarides to contact Banksy, an original brand of Puma ‘Turf War’ sneakers worn by the Bristol artist and original proof prints of many of his other works.
Darren Julien, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, said: ‘This astonishing collection assembled and lovingly kept for over 25 years by his closest associate and partner, Steve Lazarides, offers an unprecedented look at the history and path of the man that would become the world’s most famous and visionary artist named Banksy.
‘This auction featuring many of Banksy’s earliest works, most recognizable pieces and personal effects is a historic opportunity for the next caretaker to own the most comprehensive and definitive archive of Banksy’s legacy.’
Last month, a separate print of Girl With Balloon was also stolen from Grove Gallery in London, before being recovered by police.
‘Banksy, myself, and a couple of others set up a company called Pictures On Walls and like we really wanted to make cheap affordable art for the masses,’ Lazarides said.
‘For a very short moment in time, we made a difference, we made it OK for ordinary people to like art… It’s by far the proudest thing I’ve done.
‘And by far the most powerful thing I think he’s done.’
Lazarides believes he understands more than most Banksy’s need to remain anonymous, a status that began initially as ‘self preservation’ to ensure that he did not get caught by police and sent to jail for what could essentially be seen as vandalism.
In an interview with The Mirror, he said: ‘As the years went by and it went on for longer, I think that the anonymity became quite a disease.
‘Everyone has this figure in their mind, they have a folk hero, and it looks different in everybody’s mind.
‘He’s never really got to enjoy the fame he got.’
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
