Practical Joke

This was an international practical joke that still has people scratching their heads. Moments after a contemporary artist’s painting was sold for $1.4 million, it was partially shredded as it dropped from its frame. Call it Banksy’s nose-thumbing at the art world and over-priced paintings.  From a PR perspective, it was a statement that couldn’t be missed, and it generated publicity around the globe. No other artists have tried anything so provocative and chances are they wouldn’t. It is hard enough to get sales at any price. That Banksy could destroy one of his own works to make a point is breathtaking. The odd outcome of the mockery is that his work may even become more valuable as a result.