Bonhams unveils key Banksy works at first-ever Urban Art Auction in Los Angeles

Banksy, Paparazzi Rat. Estimate: US$100,000-150,000. Photo: Bonhams
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LOS ANGELES, CA.- Bonhams is set to take L.A. by storm with an outstanding selection of street art at the inaugural US Urban Art sale on 29th October. Highlights of the sale include key works by the celebrated British street artist Banksy, Shepard Fairey, KAWS and the “Godfather” of East Los Angeles "cholo" style graffiti, Chaz Bojórquez. 

The LA Urban Art sale is the first auction of its type to be held in the US and will bring together powerful works by the world’s most pioneering graffiti artists. Banksy highlights, recently unveiled in London include ‘Gangsta Rat’, estimated at US$100,000-150,000 and ‘Paparazzi Rat’, estimated at US$100,000-150,000. Both are works on canvas and include Banksy’s signature rats, which appear in so many of his works. In 2005 the artist commented:

 “They exist without permission. They are hated, hunted and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation amongst the filth. And yet they are capable of bringing entire civilisations to their knees. If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model.” 

Other Banksy highlights in the sale include ‘Winnie the Pooh’, showing the well-loved bear with his foot caught in a bear-trap and an upturned money-pot (estimated at $50,000 – 80,000), ‘Heavy Weaponry’ estimated at $35,000 – 45,000 and ‘Lenin on Rollerblades’ estimated at $30,000 – 50,000. Thirteen of his popular prints will also be offered for sale.

 In addition to Banksy’s images, the sale includes pivotal works from important street artists who have come to define the genre. Key works include pieces by Chaz Bojórquez, Shepard Fairey, KAWS, Saber, D* Face, Mr Brainwash and Blek Le Rat.

 An extraordinary canvas by Los Angeles artist Chaz Bojórquez, known as the Godfather of ‘cholo’ graffiti art ‘Señor Suerte 1979’ is estimated at US$40,000-60,000. The roots of his art are as fascinating as they are diverse; alongside the influence of Mexican-American street art, Bojórquez's study of Chinese calligraphy has had a long-lasting effect on both his artistic and spiritual outlook. This piece, featuring a sinister skull and nicknamed ‘Señor Suerte’ (Mr Luck) has become his trademark image, featuring in both his street art and his gallery pieces since the 1960s. Chaz Bojórquez’ works exemplify the style of graffiti born of the subculture developed among Mexican-American youths in Los Angeles in the 1960s. As the artist himself commented “Cholo culture is Mexican-American culture, and our style carries our culture.”

 Gareth Williams, Head of Urban Art said, “Urban Art continues to be one of the most rapidly developing sectors of the art market and it is truly exciting to be bringing such important works to auction in Los Angeles. The city is fast becoming a hub for Urban Art, following Banksy’s groundbreaking ‘Barely Legal’ show in 2006, The Museum of Contemporary Art’s exhibition ‘Art in the Streets’, held last year, and the numerous sell-out gallery shows. This auction provides a rare opportunity for members of the public to be able to see such a diverse collection of works and we are expecting significant interest from across the globe.” 

Street Art by Borondo

Yarn Bombing / Guerrilla Crochet

Street Art Photos

Peter Gibson's Street Art Critiques Car Culture

Graffiti meets environmental and social activism in Peter Gibson (a.k.a. Roadsworth)’s literal take on street art. Frustrated with the lack of safety provided for cyclists in today’s cities, the artist began (illegally) spray painting extra bike lanes onto the streets of Montreal in 2001. It wasn’t long before he began to branch out and address other civic and environmental issues through his cutting brand of creative imagery. Intended to address many of the confining conditions of living in an urban environment, Peter Gibson’s work treats these topics with a sort of wry humor that doesn’t dull their urgent message.

Where art and craft meets enviroment

Sometimes the ungainly and the odd can also make quite and impact. It is not necessary that one needs grace and elegance to make an impact, sheer ability will also do. In more sporting terms, it does not matter if you dribble the ball as beautifully as a star-studded Brazilian side did at 2006 soccer world cup, the fact remains that a less splendid but more resolute Italian team won the cup eventually. Art also need not always the most beautiful, especially when it is aimed at a good cause.

Nancy Rubins has been creating visually stunning sculptures out of salvaged industrial and consumer goods including mattresses, trailers, hot water heaters, airplanes and small appliances since the late 1970s. She turns everything useless in to sculptures that defy both logic and gravity. The picture that you see is her sculpture on top of Museum of Contemporary Art and is cantilevered welcoming visitors with its amazing gravity defying presence. It is an accumulation of rowboats, canoes, jet skis, and surfboards. It is named as ‘Pleasure Point’.

The sculpture is present at La Jolla, California and looks up at the Pacific. This stunning piece of balance is a tribute made by her not just to the spirit of the ocean but also is a tribute to her imaginative recycling skills. While art work may not be of any great use (and art was never meant to be so), but it still saves us from a lot of trash. In other words we are allowed to put the stuff we throw in the bin, in middle of our halls. Now that is truly eco friendly.

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