Last weekend, news outlets were flooded with posts about a recent stunt that rocked the art world. The anonymous graffiti artist Banksy, made famous for his works of subversive vandalistic artwork around the world, created a spectacle no one saw coming. Banksy’s iconic 2002 mural “Girl With Balloon” began self destructing – shredding itself against blades embedded in the painting’s frame – just moments after it sold at auction for $1.4 million. Before the artwork was completely destroyed, the shredding stopped leaving onlookers confused and shocked. Since then, it is speculated that the damaged work will become even more valuable than it was previously.
What makes this story even more compelling is that the artist himself posted video of the event as it occurred and even included footage of himself installing the shredding mechanism into the painting’s frame.
Brilliant commentary on selling art to the highest bidder? Or another attempt at elusive stunt marketing? You be the judge! And, should you find yourself moved by the artwork, you don’t have to pay the million-plus dollar price tag to get a copy. Perhaps instead just pick up this copy at Target.