Originally released in 2019 as part of the GDP pop-up in Croydon, this grey version of "Banksquiat" exists as a signed edition of 300, and there is also a black version.
This piece serves as a deeper commentary on the endless turning wheels of capitalism. Banksy pays homage to the great Jean-Michel Basquiat while appropriating the famous crown that the late artist used as part of his visual language. Basquiat’s crown symbol represents a homage to his friend and mentor Andy Warhol, symbolising Basquiat's self-image as a king with ambition and brilliance, and also as a symbol of black empowerment.
In "Banksquiat," we see a ferris wheel with carriages replaced by Basquiat’s iconic crown. This not only aligns Banksy within the pantheon of street art greats (the black background and chalk lines potentially referencing Haring and his subway drawings) but also gives the crowns a new life."Banksquiat" brings together the influences of Bristol and the underground art scene of NYC to stunning effect.