The dull gray walls have always made people sad. Therefore, the Neanderthals decorated the vaults of caves with drawings, the Egyptians - the corridors of the great pyramids, and modern street artists undertake to fill the walls of houses, fences and other surfaces with meaning.
Surprisingly, it makes a lot of money for many passionate graffiti artists. So, the British auction Bonhams even holds separate auctions for street artists. And the Forbes edition published the Top 10, which included most expensive graffiti... We bring these ten to your attention today.
10. Chaz Bohorquez, Se? Or Suerte
This 1979 graffiti was sold in October 2012 for $ 50,000. The author of the drawing is one of the "veterans" of street painting. There are echoes of Mexican culture in the creations of Bohorquez. Chaz's work is often shown in solo as well as group exhibitions around the world.
9.JR, Street Kid, Favela Morro da Providencia, Brasil
The French artist did not reveal his full name, but the initials JR have already become widely known to graffiti fans. The author calls himself "photograffeur", ie graffiti photographer. In 2011, JR's work was auctioned off for $ 50,333.
8. Fairy Shepard, Duality of Humanity 2
American artist Fairy Shepard is famous for creating portraits of Barack Obama for the 2008 election campaign. Shepard's works are often shown at the Museum of Modern Art, and the police have repeatedly detained the master for painting public buildings and structures. The work presented in our top ten was sold for $ 52,350.
7. Nick Walker, The Morning After
Walker's graffiti sold for $ 54,250 in October 2008. Nick is the founder of a graffiti school in the UK. Today, collectors line up for the artist's works.
6. Adam Neath, The Apprentice
The author of this work lives and works in London. During the night, Adam creates up to 20 different works, many of which are then washed off and painted over by the utilities of the British capital. The poor guys just don't know that Nita's drawing was auctioned off for $ 69,692.
5. Nick Walker, Moona Lisa
Another work by Nick Walker in the top ten most expensive graffiti presents the famous Gioconda in a not very attractive form. The painting drew a barrage of criticism, but was bought at auction for $ 87,116.
4. Os Gemeos, O Aniversario da Meretris
Os Gemeos is not one artist, but an art group of twin brothers living in São Paulo. The presented painting was sold for $ 118,171. The brothers' work has a distinctive feature - the yellow faces of the characters. Commissioned by the government of São Paulo, Os Gemeos painted the cars of the São Paulo metro.
3. Adam Neath, Suicide Bomber
In total, 103 works by Adam Neath were sold at auctions in different years. In December 2007, an unknown admirer of Sotheby’s purchased the presented graffiti for $ 126,612.
2. Banksy, Simple Intelligence Testing
Despite the fact that one of the most famous graffiti artists is regularly exhibited at auctions, he is skeptical of those who acquire his work. Once Banksy even drew a parody of his own painting and signed it: "I can't believe some idiots really bought this shit." The Intelligence Test featured here sold for $ 1,265,120.
1. Banksy, Keep It Spotless
The most expensive graffiti in history costs $ 1,870,000. The British artist is known not only for his works, but also for his shocking antics. For example, he once sent a truck loaded with plush cows, pigs and sheep to a Brooklyn abattoir.