How I Acquired An Original Banksy Print: A Story
Banksy
266 works
Key Takeaways
In the early 2000s, AMBA, a teenage graffiti artist, fell victim to an elaborate prank by Banksy, who labelled walls as "designated graffiti areas," causing AMBA significant stress during his ongoing court case for criminal damage. Years later, as Banksy's fame grew, AMBA's story was featured in Banksy's books, and in 2023, AMBA was gifted a signed Banksy print, symbolising an apology for the past stress. While the print was a valuable acknowledgement, it brought its own anxieties and practical challenges, leading AMBA to consider selling it despite the taboo against selling gifts.
In the early 2000s, street artist AMBA, then a teenager and graffiti writer, found himself navigating the legal repercussions of his passion. Charged with six counts of criminal damage, he faced a year-and-a-half-long court case.
During this period, a friend informed him of a supposedly legal graffiti wall on Edgware Road. Sceptical but intrigued, AMBA decided to investigate.
Upon arriving at the location, AMBA saw a stencilled sign declaring it a designated graffiti area. Despite initial doubts, and after verifying with local authorities—including a police officer whose details he noted—AMBA and his friends began painting. They spent hours creating colourful pieces, attracting the attention of passersby and even police officers, who seemed unperturbed.
Designated Graffiti Area © Pedro Belleza, FlickrHowever, their session was abruptly interrupted by the property owners, leading to a heated argument over the wall's ownership. Amidst the confusion, three undercover policemen appeared, detaining AMBA and his friends. Although he presented the officer’s badge number as proof of permission, the incident added to his stress, given his ongoing court case. Surprisingly, the police released them, stating they would hear back within two weeks, which never happened.
Years later, AMBA discovered the wall had been part of an elaborate prank by Banksy, a then-unknown street artist. Banksy had stenciled "designated graffiti area" signs around London to critique how people unquestioningly follow signs. This realisation came through a small book, "Existencilism," where AMBA’s artwork and the prank were featured.
Existencilism by BanksyInitially, AMBA felt angered by the prank, considering the stress it caused during his court case, where he faced severe potential penalties. He decided to email Banksy’s website, raising awareness of the danger these “pranks” can result in.
Over time, AMBA's perception shifted. Banksy’s works began gaining massive recognition, culminating in the release of the coffee table book "Wall and Piece." Banksy included AMBA's story, with permission, in this compilation, amplifying the reach and impact of the prank’s narrative.
AMBA Email © Banksy, Wall and PieceFriends from across the globe began recognizing AMBA from the book, marking his inadvertent contribution to Banksy's rising fame.
Fast forward to 2023, AMBA received an unexpected message from Banksy’s team, Pest Control. Banksy was preparing a new exhibition, "Cut and Run," showcasing his old stencils, including the "designated graffiti area." They wanted AMBA to elaborate on his experience for the accompanying book. AMBA agreed, but this time, requested some form of compensation.
Although initially met with the excuse that this was a non-profit book, Banksy’s team eventually sent AMBA a signed Banksy print, personalised with "AMBA" and a peace sign.
Dedicated Rat Race © AMBAThis gift, a symbolic and valuable acknowledgement, felt to AMBA like a gesture of apology for the past stress. It was a testament to Banksy's influence and the intertwining paths of their artistic journeys. From a prank that nearly jeopardised his freedom to being featured in Banksy's books and receiving a unique artwort, AMBA's story highlights the unpredictable and often serendipitous nature of the street art world.
AMBA goes on to share how receiving this gif was unexpectedly stressful and left him in state of anxiety about the threat of damage to the work once learning of its potential value. Insuring it, hanging it and finding space were some of the many considerations. Selling it seemed practical, despite the taboo against selling gifts. It was given as a form of payment, making the decision even more delicate. Banksy's deliberate nature and understanding of such gifts eased his guilt. And ultimately, the joy of owning the piece was outweighed by the practical challenges and stress it brought.
AMBA’s Rat Race print is now consigned with us at MyArtBroker and available for sale with Pest Control COA. Should you be interested in a piece with such rich and unique provenance, please do get in touch.
Banksy
266 works
