ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Banksy's 2018 Shredded Painting Sale: A Prank That Boosted Value

market-auction · 2026-08-26

In 2018, at a London auction, Banksy remotely shredded his painting 'Girl with Balloon' moments after it sold for £1.04 million, stunning buyers. The stunt, seen as a critique of the art market, paradoxically increased the work's value, now known as 'Love is in the Bin'. The event became a landmark in contemporary art history, highlighting the intersection of art, commerce, and spectacle.

Key facts

  • Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon' was shredded at a London auction in 2018.
  • The painting sold for £1.04 million before being shredded.
  • The shredding was executed remotely by Banksy.
  • The event was a critique of the art market.
  • The shredded work was renamed 'Love is in the Bin'.
  • The stunt increased the artwork's value.
  • The auction took place at Sotheby's in London.
  • Banksy is a prominent street artist.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources