LONDON.- Bonhams British Master Prints sale in London on 17 June offers works by the graffiti and street artist, Bansky, including Balloon Girl, which has not appeared at auction since 2011. It is estimated at £20,000 30,000.
Balloon Girl, a much sought after screenprint, dates from 2004 and shows a young girl in black holding a red, heart-shaped, balloon. The present impression is an artists proof.
Banksys depiction of his close contemporary, Kate Moss, is a witty tribute to Andy Warhols portrait of Marilyn Monroe, superimposing the face of the super-model onto that of the film star in Warhols famous work. Numbered 48/50, the signed print was executed in 2005 and is estimated at £35,000-55,000.
Gangsta Rat is a well-known Banksys image and one he produced in a number of colour variations. The example in the sale is one of only eight made in this particular colour which, it appears, has never been available at auction before. It is estimated at £10,000-15,000.
Bonhams Head of Prints, Rupert Worrall, said, Banksys work is in much demand by collectors and were fortunate to be able to offer Balloon Girl which rarely appears at auction.