A print of Banksy's iconic 'Girl with Balloon' has achieved a stunning sale price of $104,000 at a Los Angeles auction, nearly doubling its expected value.
The original proof print, part of a collection from the artist's longtime agent and photographer, Steve Lazarides, was auctioned by Julien's Auctions. This event showcased several significant works by Banksy, including the Hooded Figure painting, which sold for $78,000.
Other notable items included an original hand-cut stencil of Banksy's name, fetching $58,000, and sketches for his Paparazzi Rat stencil, which sold for $52,000. Additionally, the auction featured 15 burner phones used by Lazarides to communicate with Banksy and a pair of Puma 'Turf War' sneakers worn by the artist himself.
Darren Julien, co-founder of Julien's Auctions, highlighted the collection's historical importance, stating it offers an unprecedented glimpse into Banksy's legacy. He emphasized that this auction represents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire a definitive archive of the artist's work.
Interestingly, just last month, another print of 'Girl with Balloon' was stolen from Grove Gallery in London but was subsequently recovered by police. Lazarides reminisced about their efforts to make art accessible, stating, 'We made it OK for ordinary people to like art... It's by far the proudest thing I've done.'