Flying Copper — Unsigned

About This Work

Banksy's "Flying Copper — Unsigned" is a compelling example of the artist's unique approach to blending art and social commentary. This screenprint on paper measures 99.7 by 70 centimeters and is part of a limited edition of 600 unsigned prints, drawn from a total edition of 750, which includes 150 signed copies. The work embodies Banksy's signature technique of stencilled imagery, a method he honed in the bustling underground art scene of Bristol before taking the world stage. His transition from freehand graffiti artist to pioneering stencil-based works allowed him to execute his art quickly and with striking precision, particularly suited to the ephemeral nature of street art. Born around 1974 in Bristol, Banksy emerged as a central figure within the DryBreadZ crew in the 1990s. However, it was his shift to stencilling that marked a pivotal transformation in his artistic career, enabling the creation of iconic images that convey potent political messages with succinct, visual clarity. "Flying Copper — Unsigned" continues this tradition, capturing the absurdity and tensions inherent in authority figures through its depiction — though the exact imagery is a mystery left to the power of Banksy's enigmatic reputation and the viewer's imagination. The piece belongs to his portfolio of politically charged artworks, which have universally resonated for their clever subversion and sharp social critique. Banksy’s work often thrives on juxtaposing elements of humor and discomfort. His oeuvre includes public interventions and exhibitions that challenge institutional spaces and cultural norms, such as the guerilla-style 'Turf War', the disruptive 'Crude Oils', and the playful yet ominous 'Dismaland'. These exhibitions blurred the lines between street art and conventional art venues, establishing Banksy as a provocateur who deftly navigates between underground and mainstream art worlds. "Flying Copper — Unsigned", as with so many of his prints, reflects this tension, presenting a scene that is both familiar and unsettling, a testament to Banksy's ability to provoke thought and dialogue through art. In the wider context of Zebra One Gallery's collection, "Flying Copper — Unsigned" exemplifies the gallery's dedication to showcasing art that challenges and inspires, while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary urban culture.

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