Today, we’re delighted to announce that three coveted Banksy pieces have arrived at Enter Gallery.

One of the most talked-about artists of our generation, Banksy’s politically-charged works, deriding capitalism, war and the establishment have become so highly-sought after they’ve caused people to fight in the streets and tear down the walls of their own homes.  

Even Enter Gallery fell victim to this ferocious desire people felt to get their hands on his work… back in 2007 (and again in 2010) – Enter Gallery and Lawrence Alkin Gallery in London were broken into by thieves intent on stealing Banksy art prints. 

Today, we’re providing a little more information about the three pieces we now have in the gallery…but, the question is, for how much longer?

Banksy’s Placard Rats

First off, we have two Banksy prints from his coveted, ‘Placard Rats’ series, which was inspired by a book written by George Marshall entitled, ‘Get Out While You Can.’ The book offered tips on how to escape the ‘rat race’.

The art of Banksy has long been infested with spray-painted rats - they have been part of his oeuvre since the very beginning of his career. His depictions of vermin are said to be influenced by Blek le Rat, a prolific French street artist who spray painted rats all over Paris in the 80s, and in doing so sparked an urban art movement.

Banksy’s original ‘Placard Rat’ was painted on a wall between Moorgate and Barbican in London, and held a sign reading, ‘London doesn’t work.’

Welcome to Hell and Because I’m Worthless are part of a trilogy of prints created in 2004. The bleak blood red messages of the placards are in stark contrast to the peace sign hanging around the rat’s neck, providing just the kind of complex contradiction we’ve come to expect in Banksy’s art.

Both of these Banksy prints are a clear comment on capitalism and consumerism, and act as a warning not to lose ourselves in the realities of modern life in an over-surveilled city.

Toxic Mary

In Toxic Mary, Banksy continues his characteristic lambasting of the role of Christianity and religion in modern society. The piece is based on a Renaissance painting of Madonna and child, with one massive difference - the mother is feeding her child poison.

Religious figures and children are motifs we’ve seen across the art of Banksy, including some of his most infamous works.

Toxic Mary is an unsettling and provocative artwork that encourages the observer to consider the toxic effect that religion has on society, and how it is often used as a means of control and subjugation.

By depicting an authority figure that we traditionally see as nurturing and trustworthy, Banksy highlights how the innocent are often deceived and hurt by those meant to protect us.

If you’d like more information about these highly-collectible pieces, call the gallery on +44 (0)1273 724829 or chat to an Art Advisor.