BANKSY 'The Art of Banksy: Monkey Queen' (2021) Offset Lithograph Poster

BANKSY 'The Art of Banksy: Monkey Queen' (2021) Offset Lithograph Poster'Monkey Queen' by Banksy (after), 2021 Painted by Banksy for the Queens 'Diamond Jubilee' superimposing the stenciled monkey onto Elizabeth IIs iconic bust. Released as a Limited Edition print with Pictures on Walls, 2003. 24 x 18 Inches 61 x 45. 7 Centimeters Offset lithograph on satin poster paper. Original poster from the unauthorized "The Art of Banksy" traveling museum show, Chicago, IL, 2021. Open edition (Sold Out). Another of the artist's most

'Monkey Queen' by Banksy (after), 2021
Painted by Banksy for the Queen’s 'Diamond Jubilee' superimposing the stenciled monkey onto Elizabeth II’s iconic bust. 
Released as a Limited Edition print with Pictures on Walls, 2003.
24 x 18 Inches
61 x 45.7 Centimeters
Offset lithograph on satin poster paper.
Original poster from the unauthorized "The Art of Banksy" traveling museum show, Chicago, IL, 2021.
Open edition (Sold Out).
Another of the artist's most controversial artworks ever!
*Note: Good overall original condition.  There may be minor knocks, edge wear, or creases as is the nature of these types of posters.

ABOUT THE ART

"Celebrate the fact the highest position in British society is not a reward for talent or hard work, but simply handed out with the accident of birth. God Save The Queen."

- Banksy

'Monkey Queen' portrays a monkey wearing all the ornamentation of a Queen in front of a background made of red, white, blue, a clear note to the colors of the Union Jack. Painted on the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to honor her 60 years on the throne, 'Monkey Queen' superimposes the black and white stenciled face of a monkey directly onto Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic bust.

In another iconic work, 'Laugh Now', Banksy depicts a monkey wearing a sandwich board that predicts, one day, society will run by our primate cousins – despite the fact that we humans are millions of years “ahead” of them from an evolutionary perspective.

Perhaps, the artist suggests, we are not that much different and/or more sophisticated than they are. It’s a depressing outlook, and a damning statement about the state of affairs that we find ourselves in. This controversial, deliberately offensive imagery forces people to wrestle with how comfortable we truly are with the right to freedom of speech and expression, while simultaneously questioning the logic of having some of the world’s most powerful leaders born into the role.

'Monkey Queen' epitomizes Banksy’s artistic identity. The satirical image overtly criticizes the British leaders. Aligning the Queen with a primitive animal, the artist, in no uncertain terms, says that he believes the country is being run by apes. Along with the rat, the monkey is one of Banksy’s most frequently used animal characters. Satirizing the nature of humankind, Banksy uses these animals as didactic figures in his critical social commentary.

The most expensive work of Banksy sold at auction is no other than 'Devolved Parliament', a giant painting depicting the British Parliament run by monkeys… From 'Laugh Now', to 'Keep It Real', or 'Devolved Parliament', monkeys are also a way for Banksy to express his own frustrations with human-kind.

The use of monkeys is nothing new in the context of art history. In a contemporary take on ”Singerie”, a visual arts genre popular among French artists in the early 18th century which depicted comical scenes of monkeys aping human behavior, Banksy’s chimps too, are often presented in ironic juxtapositions that provide a tongue-in-cheek satirizing of society which so often thinks of itself as “above” the animal kingdom.

'Monkey Queen' was originally released at a price of GBP 150 for a signed version and GBP 59.99 for an unsigned version.

- Banksy Explained

ABOUT THE EVENT

THE ART OF BANKSY HOLDS THE WORLD’S LARGEST COLLECTION OF PRIVATELY OWNED BANKSY ART.

This globally acclaimed showcase features original and authenticated works associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern history. On display are prints, canvasses, screen prints, sculptures, unique works and limited-edition pieces mainly dated between the years 1997 to 2008, the period which resulted in Banksy’s most recognizable and well-known works.

The exhibit features iconic works such as ‘Girl and Balloon’, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’ alongside some of Banksy’s lesser known masterpieces. Banksy is most infamous for his outdoor art which can be found in streets all around the world. Banksy’s indoor pieces – original and unique works on canvas, wood and paper – have been less exposed and are also on display at this exhibition.

Banksy, whose identity remains a mystery is considered one of the world’s top political artists. In 2010, Time magazine selected the British artist for its list of the worlds’ 100 most influential people among the company of Barack Obama, Steve Jobs and Lady Gaga.

Over the years, Banksy has carried out a considerable number of ‘pranks’. One of the biggest stories in the art world recently was Banksy having his 'Girl with Balloon' painting go through the shredder just moments after the work was sold for nearly $1.4 million at auction.