After an unsuccessful attempt at offloading outdoor works from Banksy’s NYC residency Better Out Than In at Art Miami in December, art dealer Stephan Keszler is trying once again to sell the pieces. The artist’s Red Hook heart balloon wall piece and “Crazy Horse” car door are up for sale at Miami’s FAAM auction house, for starting bids of $200,000 and $100,000, respectively, as well as his somewhat more iconic “Kissing Coppers,” wall, from Brighton, England, for $250,000.
“I would tell them that they should not worry so much about it because Banksy doesn’t worry about it either,” Keszler told ANIMAL via email when we asked how he’d respond those who’d criticize his practice of selling Banksy’s street works. “His street art is a publicity for his studio works — which prices have increased significantly over the last years.”
The AP says each work is estimated to sell for well above its starting bid — “Kissing Coppers” tops the list at $500,000 plus — but if none of them sold during the hype surrounding Basel, what makes Keszler think he’ll get rid of them now? UPDATE: The two New York pieces didn’t sell, but “Kissing Coopers” did.
(Photo: Aymann Ismail/ANIMALNewYork)
