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Originally exhibited as part of Bansky’s “Barely Legal” show from 2006 in Los Angeles, the Swat Van is now on the market at the private auction house Bonhams. Banksy’s first exhibition in the US took place in downtown LA, and the main installation featured a live elephant, painted to match the wallpaper. Expressing indignation at the treatment of those who are disadvantaged in the modern society and the use of humor to create a simple message that touches upon the core of social issues appear throughout his work. This impressive piece which complemented “The Elephant In The Room” was bought directly from the artist at the exhibition and has been kept in pristine condition for the past 10 years.
The work displays all of Banksy’s signature features: a splash of dark humor, detailed stencils, clearly expressed ideas, and plenty of defiance. The base for the artwork and a crucial part of its meaning is the genuine Swat van, spray painted in several styles. On one side, the artist’s iconic stencil work brings the amusing scene to life via detailed and complex characters, while on the other, classic freehand tags which overlap have a raw and visceral feel. Bidding for this artwork starts at $270,000 and the auction will take place on 29 June 2016 at Bonhams, in New Bond Street, London. Images courtesy of Bonhams.
