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Banksy, Tank – Embracing Couple, 2003.
Spray-paint on steel, 155 × 135 cm.
© Banksy. -
"Modern art is a disaster area. Never in the field of human history has so much been used by so many to say so little."- Banksy, Wall & PieceFrom the very beginning of his career, Banksy has created original works that sit at the heart of his practice. Long before his global recognition, these hand-painted canvases and works on found materials began circulating through small galleries and independent dealers, often sold quietly to collectors who were willing to take a risk on an unknown street artist. Unlike his editions, which spread his imagery widely, his originals represent the earliest and most direct expression of his ideas. They capture the raw energy of his transition from the streets of Bristol to the international art market, marking an important step in the evolution of street art into a respected cultural force.
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Many of Banksy’s most recognisable motifs first appeared in his original works. Early paintings and canvases introduced figures such as the Flower Thrower, Girl with Balloon, and his mischievous rats, which later became defining images of his career. These originals served as a testing ground where Banksy refined both his visual language and political voice. Over time, what began as singular works of art on canvas or wood evolved into recurring motifs, repeated across murals, prints, and global exhibitions. Today, these images are not only some of Banksy’s most notable motifs but also among the most iconic in contemporary art, instantly associated with his satirical and subversive style.
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CRUDE OILS
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RATS
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LAW ENFORCEMENT