Why is Flag important?

Flag is a rare print released as a collection in two different colours. The silver edition of 1000 unsigned prints was released in 2006 and the gold edition was released in 2007 at Santa’s Ghetto in Bethlehem. There also exists a limited edition of 20 screenprints on formica, made in 2007 and published by Steve Lazarides, Banksy's then agent.

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How can I sell my Flag print?

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Flag by Banksy Background & Meaning

Flag

Banksy's Flag prints parody Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph 'Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima' by replacing the US marines with urban youths clambering onto a derelict car. The reworked photo criticises Western imperialism, which takes pride in military conquest abroad while ignoring the disenfranchisement of its own youth.

Meaning & Analysis

Referencing the iconic photograph: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal, Banksy’s Flag is a largely monochromatic print first produced in 2006.

Unlike the original photo, which depicts six US Marines lifting the Stars and Stripes atop mount Suribachi, this Banksy print replaces these men with children who clamber onto a derelict car. The children’s dress and their environment presents them as disenfranchised urban youths, and with only one touch of colour – represented by a large gold or silver (according to the edition) sun or moon – the scene bears a rather mournful tone.

The first iteration of Flag appeared at Santa’s Ghetto, Banksy’s contemporary art gallery and amusement arcade on London’s Oxford Street. The artist told The Guardian that he felt, ‘the spirit of Christmas was being lost’ so, in a 23-day show Banksy offered the public the opportunity to view and buy affordable works by some of the world’s finest underground artists.

Flag is a rare print released as a collection in two different colours. The silver edition of 1000 unsigned prints was released in 2006 and the gold edition was released in 2007 at Santa’s Ghetto in Bethlehem. There also exists a limited edition of 20 screenprints on formica, made in 2007 and published by Steve Lazarides, Banksy's then agent.
Why we love Flag… "After Rosenthal's photo won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography, it quickly became one of the most recognisable images of the war, symbolic of American victory and patriotism. In Banksy's version, the patriotic Marines have been replaced by rebel children. Open to several interpretations – as is typical in Banksy's work – some say that the children are symbolic of America's youth, still aspiring to the American Dream. Others say the image symbolises the reclamation of a dystopian urban habitat, where children are fighting alone, in a world ruined by adults. In almost all interpretations it seems to represent the strength of humanity over a ruling system." - Joe Syer
If you're looking to sell art by Banksy, click the link and we can help. We employ a number of techniques and practices in order to give a realistic and achievable valuation on any art listed on myartbroker.com. We analyse the demand for the work in question, take into consideration previous sales and auction valuations, we assess the current gallery valuation and monitor the current deals taking place via MyArtBroker every day. We regularly advise sellers on a price bracket for their artwork completely free of charge.