Why collect Banksy

Banksy is without a doubt one of the most enigmatic and influential artists of our time. Born in Bristol in 1974 and still operating under anonymity, he has transformed street art into a globally recognized and institutionalized language. With sharp, ironic, and deeply political works, Banksy has gone far beyond graffiti, becoming a cultural icon and a benchmark in the contemporary art market.

The Rise of a Unique Market

Since the early 2000s, Banksy’s market has seen extraordinary growth. Between 2014 and 2024, the volume of his artworks sold at auction increased by 347%. His current market cap exceeds $500 million, and the average price of his prints has risen by 34% since 2018. Compared to the FTSE 100, the index for his prints has grown by 124%, highlighting his outperformance relative to traditional financial benchmarks.

After peaking in 2021 with €35 million in turnover and 996 lots sold, the market has entered a phase of healthy stabilization. In 2024, sales volumes and turnover once again surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating renewed interest in quality pieces and a shift toward a more mature and selective market dynamic.

The Most Iconic Work: Girl with Balloon

Among his most iconic creations, Girl with Balloon has become a modern symbol of British art. Released around 2004 in just 150 signed editions, the image of a girl reaching toward a heart-shaped balloon blends tenderness and melancholy with powerful simplicity. In 2021, a rare Colour AP (Gold) version sold for over €1.1 million at Sotheby’s, doubling its estimate. From 2017 to 2024, the average auction value for the signed edition increased by 218%.

What to Collect from Banksy

Banksy’s print market is the most accessible and liquid segment of his work. Highly coveted editions include Donuts (Strawberry), NOLA, Choose Your Weapon, and Bomb Hugger. Collectors who acquired Charlie Brown recorded returns of +187%, while pieces like HMV, Cut Here, and In the Event of Divorce also delivered results well above 50%.

The mid-range market—from €20,000 to €50,000—has seen the highest transaction volumes, with over 300 lots sold in 2021 alone. This segment is particularly appealing for collectors seeking signed, limited-edition works with a strong track record on the secondary market.

Cultural Relevance and Exhibitions

Banksy is more than just auction records. His cultural relevance is driven by site-specific projects, street interventions, and exhibitions that continuously captivate global audiences. Notable shows in recent years include Gross Domestic Product (2019), the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, Dismaland (2015), and the critically acclaimed Cut & Run at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art in 2023, which drew over 180,000 visitors in just 10 weeks.

His artworks address universal issues such as militarism (Bomb Hugger), consumerism (Trolleys), surveillance (Choose Your Weapon), and political negligence (NOLA). Even when removed or stolen, as seen with pieces in Margate or Ukraine, his art continues to provoke public dialogue and media attention.

Why Collect Him Now

Despite past market fluctuations, interest in Banksy’s work remains strong. In 2024, both sales volumes and price levels rose compared to 2023. The upcoming release of Banksy’s Lost Works by Will Ellsworth-Jones will further fuel market attention by exploring the disappearance of his murals and street pieces across the globe. This narrative of loss and impermanence only amplifies the emotional and cultural impact of Banksy's legacy.

Collecting Banksy today means entering a vibrant ecosystem of culture, provocation, and visual impact. He remains an artist who has rewritten the rules of the art system while preserving his independence and critical voice.