BANKSY // Originals

  • Banksy, Tank – Embracing Couple
    BanksyTank – Embracing Couple, 2003.
    Spray-paint on steel, 155 × 135 cm.
    © Banksy.
     
     
    Banksy’s original works sit at the heart of his practice, capturing the raw energy and political intent that first brought him to international attention. Beginning in the Bristol graffiti scene of the 1990s, these pieces were often created on found materials or directly onto public walls, turning everyday surfaces into platforms for sharp social commentary.
     
    Each original is rooted in a moment, whether protesting war, questioning authority or exposing the absurdities of modern life. They carry the same immediacy as his street works, yet often reveal a more deliberate craftsmanship in their execution. From early hand-cut stencils to large-scale painted panels, these works form a record of Banksy’s evolving style and the political climate that has shaped it. This collection brings them together, offering a rare chance to explore the full scope of his most defining creations. 
  • "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 & Piece
    From 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.
  • 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.
  • CRUDE OILS

  • RATS

  • LAW ENFORCEMENT