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Sir Elton John is known for his incredible music career and philanthropic efforts, but he’s also a renowned art collector. In an upcoming auction titled “The Collection of Sir Elton John,” at Christie’s Auction House in New York TODAY, Wednesday, 21st February, at 5 pm EST or 10 pm GMT, the musician is offering a selection of items from his personal collection located at his residence on Peachtree Road in Atlanta. The collection includes a wide variety of art, furniture, and memorabilia that will be available for purchase.
One particular piece that stands out is LOT 13, the 2010 Flower Thrower Triptych by Banksy, which is expected to fetch between $1 million and $1.5 million, making it the most valuable item in the auction. Here are the top 10 interesting facts about this iconic artwork.
Banksy’s “Flower Thrower Triptych.” Image copyright Christies Auction NYC
1.
Banksy’s Iconic Mural on West Bank Wall
In 2003, the renowned artist Banksy painted his iconic artwork “Flower Thrower” on the West Bank Wall, which spans 760km separating Israel from Palestine.
Banksy – Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower) Image copyright GraffitiStreet.com
2.
Symbol of Peace and Love
Banksy’s artwork is known for its political and social commentary, and the Flower Thrower Triptych is no exception. The piece challenges the traditional notion of violence and weaponisation and instead promotes the idea of peace and love. The mural portrays a masked man throwing a bouquet of flowers in a manner similar to how a Molotov cocktail is thrown, signifying the importance of peace and love over violence. It is widely regarded as one of Banksy’s most emblematic works.
Banksy’s “Flower Thrower Triptych.” Image copyright Christies Auction NYC
3.
The Flower Thrower Triptych
The Flower Thrower Triptych consists of three separate canvases, each measuring a different size. The left panel measures 33 ¼ x 25 ¼ in., the centre panel measures 42 x 30 in., and the right panel measures 16 5⁄8 x 20 5⁄8 in. The overall dimensions of the triptych are 42 x 80 in. The Flower Thrower Triptych is signed and dated “Banksy 2010” on the reverse of the left panel, and it is executed in spray paint on canvas in the artist’s frame. The flowers are painted in colour like the mural.
Banksy’s “Flower Thrower Triptych.” Image copyright Christies Auction NYC
4.
Walled Off Hotel
In 2017, Banksy launched the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, where he showcases a triptych of his renowned ‘Love is in the Air / Flower Thrower’ inside the Piano bar. The artwork is split into three and encased in a gold frame. Moreover, the piece is adorned with genuine dried flowers originating from a vase resting on the table.
The Walled Off Hotel, Bethlehem, West Bank. Image Copyright Banksy
5.
Sir Elton John Plays at Hotel’s Piano Bar
To inaugurate the debut of the colonialism-themed piano bar at “The Walled Off Hotel“ in 2017, Sir Elton John was invited by Banksy to perform remotely on the opening night. This was just the beginning of the hotel’s plan to feature regular remote musical performances in their piano bar, showcasing a diverse range of talented musicians.
Banksy, Walled Off Hotel, Piano Bar, Bethlehem. Image Copyright Banksy
6.
Sir Elton John acquired “Flower Thrower Triptych”
In 2017, Sir Elton John acquired the “Flower Thrower Triptych” directly from Banksy, adding to the artwork’s allure. The piece’s provenance is significant, and its inclusion in Sir Elton John’s personal collection adds an extra layer of authenticity and prestige, increasing a piece’s value and desirability.
Banksy’s “Flower Thrower Triptych.” Image copyright Christies Auction NYC
7.
Gross Domestic Product
In 2019, Banksy opened a homewares store called “Gross Domestic Product ™” in Croydon, London, featuring a unique selection of items designed by Banksy. The store offered homewares and lifestyle products, including mugs, doormats, and rugs, all with Banksy’s signature style. The store was created in response to legal action against Banksy by a greeting card company attempting to take legal custody of the artist’s name. Banksy’s Flower Thrower triptych was part of this exhibition in grey.
Banksy, Gross domestic product Store, Croydon. Image Copyright Banksy
8.
GDP Flower Thrower Triptych
During Banksy’s “Gross Domestic Product”, the elusive artist released a VIP “GDP Flower Thrower (Grey)” as a 300 edition Signed Screen print on 1500 micron board. The VIP triptych piece is framed to the same artist’s spec displayed at Banksy’s “Gross Domestic Product” show.
Banksy, GDP Flower Thrower Triptych, Gross domestic product Store, Croydon. Image © Banksy
Find out more about the artwork here
9.
GDP Flower
At the Banksy Gross Domestic Product exhibition, a few ‘GDP Flower Thrower’ pieces that depicted only the bouquet were randomly given out to children below 16 years of age.
Find out more about the artwork here
10.
Christie’s in New York LIVE Auction
The live auction of “The Collection of Sir Elton John” will take place at Christie’s in New York on 21st February at 5 pm EST or 10 pm GMT. The auction of this stunning collection is expected to be one of the most significant art sales of the year, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts from all around the world. The auction promises a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to witness and own a piece of art history; with an estimate of $1-1.5 Million, this is one LIVE auction not to be missed!
Please view our online store for Banksy artworks, including the VIP Framed GDP Flower Thrower (Grey) and GDP Flower. Both pieces are currently in stock and ready for worldwide delivery.
