A unique artwork by renowned street artist Banksy, titled Crude Oil (Vettriano), has sold for approximately £4.3 million (around $5.5 million) at Sotheby’s auction house in London. The sale occurred just days after the announcement of the passing of celebrated Scottish painter Jack Vettriano, whose work inspired Banksy’s piece.

Details of the Auction

The painting was part of the collection owned by Mark Hoppus, the bassist from the iconic California punk band Blink-182, who identified with Banksy’s artistic vision. Following the auction, Hoppus expressed plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to medical charities in Los Angeles and the California Fire Foundation, supporting communities affected by wildfires earlier in the year.

Artistic Vision

Hoppus commented on Banksy’s work, indicating a deep appreciation for its subversive nature, humor, and intelligent critique of societal issues. “I feel like street art and punk rock have the same core,” Hoppus stated. “The left-out and overlooked making their own reality. … Just go make art. It’s the same spirit. And I’ve loved art and especially street art ever since realizing that.”

About the Artwork

Crude Oil (Vettriano) is an interpretation of Vettriano’s well-known 1992 painting, The Singing Butler, which depicts a couple dancing on a beach under umbrellas held by servants. Banksy’s parody introduces a dark twist, featuring an oil tanker sinking in the background along with two figures carrying a barrel of toxic waste.

Banksy’s 2005 artwork is part of a broader series that showcases his penchant for satirizing classical art, emphasizing the idea that environmental harm is inflicted more by corporate entities than by graffiti artists or wayward youth. He aimed to convey a potent message about the societal impacts of environmental negligence through his humor and visual commentary.

Tributes to Jack Vettriano

The sale of Banksy’s painting coincided with tributes to Jack Vettriano, who passed away at age 73. The self-taught artist was famous for his dreamlike representations of elegantly dressed figures along seaside landscapes, and his work garnered a substantial following, including admirers like Jack Nicholson.

Future Plans for the Proceeds

Hoppus conveyed a commitment to using part of the auction’s proceeds to acquire works from emerging artists, alongside contributions to healthcare institutions such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Hematology Oncology Research.

Banksy’s Continued Influence

Known for his anonymity and thought-provoking street art, Banksy has developed a reputation as one of the most significant contemporary artists. His works frequently challenge societal norms and critique issues from consumerism to authority, with previous pieces fetching millions at auction. The record for his art stands at nearly £18.6 million (approximately $25.4 million), achieved during the 2021 auction of Love is in the Bin, which dramatically self-destructed immediately after selling.