Why Did Banksy's Artwork Self-Destruct After Being Sold for £1m at Sotheby's?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the incident where a Banksy artwork self-destructed after being sold for £1 million at Sotheby's. Participants explore the implications of this act, its artistic value, and the motivations behind the artist's decision to destroy the piece. The conversation touches on themes of art, publicity, and the nature of value in contemporary art.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the self-destruction of the artwork, questioning the rationale behind such an act.
  • There are humorous suggestions about the nature of the shredding mechanism, with some proposing it was a strip shredder rather than a cross-cut shredder.
  • Several participants speculate on the artist's mental state, questioning whether Banksy is "a bit insane" for choosing to destroy his own work for publicity.
  • One participant suggests that the shredded artwork could be recontextualized as 'Art Nouveau' by displaying the strips behind glass.
  • There is a recurring theme of admiration for the act, with some expressing that they appreciate the artwork despite not typically liking art.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the motivations behind Banksy's actions or the implications of the self-destruction. Multiple competing views remain regarding the artistic merit and the psychological aspects of the artist's decision.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of art and value are present, but these are not explicitly stated or agreed upon by all participants. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and reactions to the event.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in contemporary art, art criticism, and the intersection of art and media may find this discussion engaging.

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Looks like it was a strip shredder, not cross-cut...
So, stick the strips behind glass and call that 'Art Nouveau'...
;-))
 
Is the artist a bit insane? Why would he destroy his own painting just for publicity? :))
 
This is 'Banksy'...

I'm mildly surprised it did not spontaneously combust, like magicians' flash-paper, or prove to be drawn with disappearing ink...
 
Wrichik Basu said:
Is the artist a bit insane? Why would he destroy his own painting just for publicity? :))
I hope that sheds some light on the situation :DD
 
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Nik_2213 said:
Looks like it was a strip shredder, not cross-cut...
So, stick the strips behind glass and call that 'Art Nouveau'...
;-))
They certainly will. And that's...
Wrichik Basu said:
Is the artist a bit insane? Why would he destroy his own painting just for publicity? :))
...Genius.
 
Wrichik Basu said:
Is the artist a bit insane? Why would he destroy his own painting just for publicity? :))
Not satisfied with it .
 

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