Toxic Mary — Signed

About This Work

Banksy's "Toxic Mary — Signed" is a penetrating screenprint that exemplifies the artist's characteristic blend of irreverence and socio-political commentary. Rendered on paper with dimensions of 70 x 50 cm, this work is part of a signed edition limited to 150, within a larger total of 750 prints. Bearing all the hallmarks of Banksy’s stencil-driven work, "Toxic Mary" employs stark iconography to probe deeper cultural and spiritual narratives, all filtered through the artist's inimitable lens of satirical skepticism. A figure as elusive as he is impactful, Banksy emerged from Bristol’s vibrant underground arts scene in the 1990s, where he honed his visual language amidst the grit of urban street culture. His formative years with the DryBreadZ crew saw him experiment freely with graffiti, a foundation that later evolved as he adopted stencils to refine his craft. The stencilled approach not only allowed for rapid execution in the ephemeral street environment but also became a signature technique that set his works apart in the world of contemporary art. "Toxic Mary — Signed" taps into Banksy’s resolute engagement with themes of authority, mass media, and the dichotomy of innocence and menace. In this work, the serene depiction of the Virgin Mary feeding a child from a bottle labelled 'poison' becomes a jarring commentary, the juxtaposition of nurturing motherhood with the threat of toxic consumption serving as a potent critique of blind faith in institutions—be they religious, governmental, or commercial. The signature stencil style, characterized by its crisp lines and succinct imagery, underscores the immediacy and universality of the message. Banksy's practice continually challenges the intersection of street art and fine art. As demonstrated in "Toxic Mary — Signed", his works transcend simple categorization, much like his groundbreaking exhibitions such as 'Turf War' and 'Banksy versus Bristol Museum', which blur the lines between gallery and graffiti. His capacity to transform mundane public spaces into canvases for discourse finds an echo in his printmaking endeavors, where his screenprints like "Toxic Mary" offer a more intimate yet equally provocative engagement with his audience. This piece fits seamlessly within Zebra One Gallery's collection, embodying the gallery’s dedication to showcasing art that challenges, engages, and resonates across diverse audiences.

About the Artist

Perhaps the most famous figure in street art working today, Banksy is known for urban interventions that demonstrate irreverent wit and a biting political edge. Enhancing his mystique by maintaining an anonymous identity, the artist has modified street signs, illegally printed his own currency, and ...

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research