Trolleys (Coloured) - An inability to provide
Powerfully scathing, the Trolleys series of works is perhaps one of Banksy’s most cutting commentaries on the matter of consumerism. Produced in 2007, Trolleys was re-released by Pictures on Walls of London in three different formats: 750 signed colour prints in a blue and yellow colourway, 500 unsigned white prints and 150 signed white prints. The image, almost primordial, depicts a group of hunter gathers, spears poised, taking aim at empty shopping trolleys and are set within a landscape that recalls the plains of the African savannah. The carts, barron like the landscape itself, are, ironically, full of emptiness. Unable to cope, adapt and fend for themselves - the group cast a divisive figure against the clean and mechanical feeling that the trolleys bring into the work. Divorced from the reality of fending for ourselves, modern man’s inability to survive is brutally presented for the world to see as we seek the throws of consumerism to provide for us.
Very Little Helps - A loyalty to consumerism
Very Little Helps further explores the theme of consumerism as the artist seeks to question our relationship with and loyalty to corporations. The central image of the work is a group of three children - two saluting a Tesco bag whilst one hoists the makeshift flag - against a brilliant blue background. The innocence of youth is beautifully juxtaposed with the uncaring and cold suggestion of Tesco (at the time the UK’s biggest supermarket) and their slogan “Every Little Helps” brilliantly toyed with and sculptured into the title of the work “Very Little Helps”. The theme of the artwork suggests that we are a people who worship consumerism and have more respect and appreciation for shopping than we have for our country - perhaps examining the concept of nationhood and the power that big business holds over countries and governments. What’s more, we are almost blinded and unwavering on our commitment to such companies - as shown by the physical proximity of the children to the flag - suggesting that we are so entwined with consumerism that we are unable to see how heavily involved our daily lives are.
Christ With Shopping Bags - A new god
Christ with Shopping Bags, also known as Consumer Jesus, is one of Banksy’s most controversial works. The picture shows a crucified Jesus agonisingly holding shopping bags in his outstretched hands that buckle under the weight of the gifts contained inside. Christmas is referenced in the image with a candy cane and the Mickey Mouse ears poking out of the heavy bags. The celebration of Jesus’ birth, the works can be read as to how the festive season has lost its original and true meaning as society places more importance on gift giving and shopping rather than a message of hope and salvation. Forgoing an eternal life, we see the modern world building up new gods in the consumption of brands and goods to the detriment of our spiritual growth. Jesus and the shopping bags are melting in Banksy’s recreation of the crucifixion insinuating how consumerism ephemerally fills a satisfaction, but the satisfaction doesn’t last.
There has to be a certain sense of irony within the artist and his relationship to the art market. Adisruptor of the traditional models that have stood for centuries within art, one can not help but feel that the rapid commercialisation of Banksy’s works may place the artist in an uncomfortable position. Whether the artist approves or not, we can only appreciate his brilliance and his art itself. Discover our collection of banksy prints for sale and contact our gallery via sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371 for further information and to arrange a viewing.