Banksy's superhero nurse artwork sells for P1.112 billion for charity
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The artwork, according to Christie's, “represents a personal tribute to those who continue to turn the tide of the pandemic.”
Enigmatic graffiti artist Banksy has set a new record for himself after his painting sold for £16.7 million ($23.1 million or P1.112 billion ) at Christie's in London.
The painting titled “Game Changer” was initially donated by Banksy to the University Hospital Southampton (UHS) in May last year.
The artwork shows a young child playing with a toy nurse wearing a face mask and a uniform that has a Red Cross emblem and cape. A basket containing Batman and Spider-Man toys can be seen nearby.
“Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it's only black and white,” read Banksy's note to the hospital when he donated the work in 2020.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the same hospital as well as charities and health organizations across the United Kingdom.
“Game Changer appeared at a time when people across the world rallied in support of frontline medical staff: from doorstep cheers and rounds of applause, to rainbows painted on household windows,” Christie's said about the artwork.
“Game Changer” by Banksy
“The nurse's red cross-- the only hint of colour in an otherwise monochrome composition--serves as a symbol of the pandemic's international impact.
“At the same time, the image of the young boy at play is one of universal poignancy, capturing the renewed focus on domestic and familial life that has come to define this period.
“Intricately rendered in oil, with the expressive detail of a children's book illustration, the work depicts a moment of pure innocence, charting the play of light and shadow across the boy's face, hair and clothes.”
It added that the painting “offers an image of hope” and “represents a personal tribute to those who continue to turn the tide of the pandemic.”
This latest auctioned work of Banksy was free from any form of controversy.
In 2018, Banksy created a stir when his iconic artwork titled, “Girl with Balloon,” self-destructed by shredding itself before the eyes of confused spectators and bidders after it sold for $1.4 million at Sotheby's.
The sold painting was a reproduction of the original image - a girl releasing a red balloon - spray painted by Banksy on a building in East London in 2002.
Banksy's real identity remains a mystery to this day. He's known for creating satirical and dark artworks with social and political undertones, which he would leave as graffiti in public places such as bridges, buildings and street walls, and subways.
While certainly no Banksy, we have a lot of local celebrities who are talented artists as well. Many, in fact, found time to further hone their creativity during the strict quarantine period enforced last year. Get to know who are these celebrities and see their wonderful art creations as well:
