Banksy, Laugh Now, 2003

"Banksy’s ‘Laugh Now’ monkeys illustrate a transitional moment in the artists painting technique, moving from freehand to stencil works. These chimp images were first executed on the streets and passenger trains in the early 2000s.
Along with rats, monkey’s continue to be one of Banksy’s most frequently used animal characters. Even though no street murals remain with this iconic stencil we are happy to be able to offer this highly desirable signed Artist Proof (AP) of this work published in 2003 encapsulating this classic Banksy image. TGB sees this print as the perfect Banksy investment opportunity. " - Bradley Ridge, Expert at TGB Contemporary

Why invest in Banksy?
Banksy's Urban Interventions
Banksy, perhaps the most famous figure in street art working today, is known for urban interventions that demonstrate irreverent wit and biting political edge. Enhancing his mystique by maintaining an anonymous identity, the artist has modified street signs, illegally printed his own currency, and illicitly hung his own work in the Louvre and the Museum of Modern Art. He often uses spray paint and stencils in his critiques of consumerism, political authority, terrorism, and the status of art and its display. His street art, installations, and studio-produced works have been shown in Los Angeles, New York, London, Bethlehem, and beyond. His art has been subject to widespread interest on the secondary market and has fetched eight figures at auction.

Why invest in Laugh Now?
The Iconic Laugh Now
A key theme recurrent throughout the artist's body of work, the despondent, stenciled monkey depicted in Laugh Now (2003) has become emblematic of Banksy. Initially commissioned by the now-defunct Ocean Rooms nightclub on Morley Street in Brighton, Laugh Now debuted as a six-meter-long, spray-painted mural situated behind the venue's bar, showcasing the monkey's figure repeated tenfold in succession.

The Legacy of Laugh Now
In 2003, Banksy released 150 signed and 600 unsigned edition prints of Laugh Now, alongside 69 artist's proofs. Subsequently, in 2008, the original Laugh Now was auctioned by Ocean Rooms at Bonhams auction house, fetching a sales price close to half a million US dollars. Presently, Laugh Now is globally recognized as an iconic Banksy piece and ranks among the artist's most sought-after prints. This print shows an impressive total growth of 236% over 7 years or 33.7% Average Annualized Growth Rate.

Symbolism in Laugh Now
Captured in Banksy's characteristic monochromatic style, the melancholic monkey in Laugh Now is adorned solely with a sandwich board bearing the inscription "Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge." The weighty board, coupled with the monkey's slouched posture and downcast gaze, conveys a sense of oppression or subjugation.

The Monkey Motif
Alongside the rat, the monkey stands out as one of Banksy's frequently utilized animal motifs. Employing animals as didactic symbols in his incisive social commentary, Banksy often employs satire to critique human behavior. The phrase emblazoned on the sandwich board - 'Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge' - exemplifies the artist's adeptness at using text to convey potent messages to viewers.

Interpretation of Laugh Now
Laugh Now can be interpreted as a satirical take on contemporary politics or a critique of humanity's treatment of animals, particularly our primate relatives. By suggesting the monkey's readiness for revolt, Banksy's biting text carries both a mocking and menacing tone, serving as a warning to his audience of an impending upheaval.

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