Banksy reveals new video of shredded painting mechanism

Banksy released a director's cut video on Instagram and YouTube showing the mechanism behind the shredding of his work "Girl with a Balloon" at Sotheby's in 2018. The video confirms the artist personally installed the shredding device and that the auction house was unaware of the stunt. The work, now retitled "Love is in the Bin," was purchased by the original buyer. The video reveals technical details: a remote control triggered an acoustic alarm and a cutting mechanism using a roller and drum, powered by a 12V JMT scooter battery costing about £50. The battery, introduced to the market in 2013, suggests the device was installed no earlier than 2015, contradicting the work's 2006 purchase date. Banksy mocks Sotheby's with footage from a VIP preview. The shredding stopped halfway, leading to speculation about battery failure or intentional partial destruction.