Banksy Gangsta rat : Original Colour
Edition: 150 Signed
350 Unsigned
AP pink ed 46
green edition 20
AP color way from 2015/2016 (sold by POW) ed 61 in different colors,
Grey, Yellow, Blue, Pink about 10/15 of each
Banksy’s ‘Gangsta Rat’ character has appeared at various locations, but perhaps the most well documented ‘Gangsta Rat’ is the one which was first spotted at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London in 2006. The rat, who is indeed looking rather ‘gangster’ with his chain and baseball cap, was later sold at auction. Gangsta Rat location (approximate). We see the rat take on many personas and assuming different characte, to highlight the many identities commonly associated with the working class. “The human race…” to which Banksy claims to be ” an unfair and stupid competition” links in very closely with the ‘Rat Race’ (as they call it) as simply a race for power, status and materiality; which many are deceived to thinking they have. Banksy said of rats: “They exist without permission. They are hated, hunted and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation amongst the filth. And yet they are capable of bringing entire civilisations to their knees.” “If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model.”