Works by British enigmatic artist Banksy belonging to singer Robbie Williams have sold for millions of pounds at an auction in London, a sum that will be donated to UK health services.
Robbie Williams bought the works directly from Banksy shortly after they were created in the early 2000s, according to the Financial Times, several years before the value of the artist’s creations skyrocketed.
Bansky’s Kissing Coppers – one of three consigned by singer Robbie Williams to @Sothebys – has been withdrawn from sale today pic.twitter.com/Bn86UWkCxO
– Melanie Gerlis (@mgerlis) March 2, 2022
The singer auctioned versions of three works “Kissing Coppers”, “Girl with Balloon” and “Vandalized Oils (Choppers)”.
Vandalized Oil (Choppers), showing two low-flying military helicopters in an idyllic tranquil setting, sold for 4 4.4 million.
The work – as described by Sotheby’s auction house in London – reflects the graffiti artist’s “anti-war message”.
The play is reminiscent of the 1979 Vietnam War film “Apocalypse Now,” which depicts US attack helicopters hitting enemy positions with Wagner’s “Valkyrie Expedition” in the background.
In a note to the list, Sotheby’s also said the project reflected Banksy’s opposition to the second Iraq war, when he distributed placards at a rally in London in 2003.
Another work by Banksy, the famous “Girl with Balloon”, which has been reproduced in various forms, sold for 2.8 million pounds.
Robbie Williams, who began his pop music career in the 1990s as a member of Take That, became a successful solo singer.
A trio of paintings #Banskyowned by British singer Robbie Williams, show up at #HongKong poco antes de ser subastado en Londres.Sotheby’s HK sample: Girl With Balloon, Vandalized Oils (Chopper) and Kissing Coppers on the principles of February. pic.twitter.com/qaoSun23Fq
– mar sanchez (@marscascado) January 21, 2022
“These projects unite the cultural heritage of two of Britain’s biggest stars: Robbie Williams and Banksy,” said Hugo Komb of Sotheby’s.
“Like their creator and possessor, they are caustic, emblematic, heretical and unique,” he added.
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