Banksy’s “The Leopard and Lamb” is up for Auction at Phillips Auction House in Hong Kong

On May 31, 2024, Phillips Auction will showcase 26 lots in its Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale in Hong Kong, featuring the highly anticipated “The Leopard and Lamb” by the elusive artist Banksy. This piece was part of a distinguished private Asian collection and is expected to fetch between HK$18,000,000 and HK$28,000,000 (€2,130,000-3,310,000 / $2,310,000-3,590,000).

Photo Credit Phillips Auctions

“The Leopard and Lamb” seamlessly integrates biblical symbolism with contemporary socio-political commentary. The artwork, executed in 2016, features a leopard lying peacefully beside a lamb, invoking the prophetic imagery from Isaiah 11:6. This visual metaphor not only enriches the biblical reference of natural enemies in serene coexistence but also subtly critiques war and conflict, urging a reflection on the universal hope of peace.

Photo Credit Phillips Auctions

Displayed at Banksy’s renowned Walled-Off Hotel in Bethlehem, near the separation wall, “The Leopard and Lamb” captures a moment of harmony amidst conflict.

Photo Credit Phillips Auctions

Banksy’s identity remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the enigmatic appeal of his work. Emerging from the graffiti scene in the early 1990s, Banksy’s distinctive stencilling technique has been pivotal to contemporary art.

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules

but by people following the rules. 

It’s people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages.”

— Banksy, Wall and Piece 2005

The Walled-Off Hotel, where this artwork was exhibited, is a unique blend of art, politics, and tourism. It engages guests with original Banksy artworks and houses a museum commemorating the centennial of British control over Palestine, highlighting the prolonged period of turmoil and conflict that ensued. Additionally, the hotel supports local culture through an exhibition space for Palestinian artists, reflecting Banksy’s consistent anti-war theme throughout his career.

Banksy, The Walled Off Hotel

This thought-provoking piece not only serves as a powerful artistic statement but also aligns with Banksy’s proactive efforts to promote peace and development in the region. As “The Leopard and Lamb” goes under the hammer at Phillips, it stands as a poignant reminder of the artist’s unwavering commitment to using art as a tool for social and political commentary.

Find other extraordinary pieces in the Phillips Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari” with an estimated value of HK$90,000,000 – 120,000,000 / €10,620,000-14,160,000 / $11,540,000-15,380,000 and KAWS “PAY THE DEBT TO NATURE” with an estimated value of HK$7,500,000 – 12,000,000 / €884,000-1,410,000 / $962,000-1,540,000.

Find all the pieces here.

Phillips Auction will showcase 26 lots in its Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale

Auction 31 May 2024 7 pm HKT

G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Viewing 22 May – 1 June Monday-Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Alternatively, check out the GraffitiStreet store here for Banksy’s artworks.

Comments

comments