James
McQueen

Banksy is frequently referenced in McQueen’s work, blending Banksy-inspired motifs with McQueen’s own satirical style. In his 2017 screenprint Who The Fuck Is Banksy, McQueen replaced the Penguin logo on his book cover-inspired paintings with Banksy’s iconic rat, playfully acknowledging his own use of Banksy’s imagery. By incorporating visual elements from other artists, McQueen injects irony into his work, creating pieces that celebrate and critique the art of appropriation. This dialogue with Banksy allows McQueen to explore themes of anonymity, rebellion, and cultural commentary, essential aspects of his own artistic identity.

McQueen introduced the Banksy-inspired monkey as a recurring character in his paintings, serving as a humorous, autobiographical symbol. For McQueen, the monkey represents a mischievous, boundary-pushing persona that aligns with his own playful approach to art. Often wearing a hat—a nod to McQueen’s personal style—the monkey has become an insignia of sorts, symbolising the artist's shared anonymity with Banksy. In recent works, McQueen has added a second monkey, representing his companionship with his wife, which contrasts with the otherwise cynical tone of his art. This personal touch adds a humanising element to his work.

McQueen’s use of language in his titles reflects his engagement with Pop Art’s tradition of incorporating text and conceptual statements. His 2018 painting PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT directly references the work of conceptual artist Jenny Holzer, whose text-based art explores the power of language. By appropriating Holzer’s phrase, McQueen places himself within a lineage of artists who use text to provoke thought, using bold slogans to question consumer culture, ownership, and desire.