Kate — Signed

About This Work

Banksy's "Kate — Signed" is a compelling screenprint on paper that exemplifies the artist's knack for subverting cultural icons while infusing his work with satirical commentary. Measuring 62.5 by 62.5 cm, this piece features the supermodel Kate Moss, reimagined through the lens of Andy Warhol's iconic Marilyn Monroe portrait, yet with Banksy's own distinctive twist. The print is part of the original colourway edition limited to 50 signed copies, highlighting the exclusivity and precision of his screenprint work. It also exists in six additional colourway editions, each with 20 signed copies, offering versions in Apricot/Gold, Green/Turquoise, Purple, Red/Green, Pink, and Blue/Grey. Adding to its allure, there are 12 specially signed artist proofs known as VIP Red Lips APs. Banksy's choice of medium — screenprint on paper — underscores his roots in the urban, guerrilla style of art-making. The use of screenprinting, a method often associated with mass production and pop art, aligns with Banksy's thematic interests in democratising art and critiquing the commodification of culture. This technique allows for the vibrant reiteration of familiar images while also permitting slight variations through its different editions, engaging the viewer to contemplate the nature of originality and replication. Born around 1974 in Bristol, Banksy rose from the city's underground scene in the 1990s, originally crafting freehand graffiti before shifting to his renowned stencil technique. This change marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to execute intricate designs swiftly across public spaces. "Kate — Signed" taps into this history, reflecting his seamless blend of street-art aesthetics with fine-art presentation. Banksy's work often walks the fine line between these domains, challenging both artistic conventions and societal norms. His ability to inject elements of surprise, humour, and critique into his pieces has cemented his status as a provocateur in contemporary art. In keeping with Banksy's approach to art as an event, "Kate — Signed" can be viewed as part of a broader narrative. His exhibitions, such as 'Banksy versus Bristol Museum' and 'Barely Legal', are testament to his flair for creating experiences that extend beyond the wall. This piece's engagement with celebrity culture and identity politics exemplifies Banksy's ability to provoke thought through visual media. His ongoing dialogue with public and private spaces is manifested in this screenprint, encouraging reflection on the role of images in popular and counterculture. "Kate — Signed" finds its place in the Zebra One Gallery collection as a quintessential example of Banksy's ability to distill complex cultural critiques into accessible and visually arresting artwork.

About the Artist

Perhaps the most famous figure in street art working today, Banksy is known for urban interventions that demonstrate irreverent wit and a biting political edge. Enhancing his mystique by maintaining an anonymous identity, the artist has modified street signs, illegally printed his own currency, and ...

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research