Banksy is Dismal (Monkey with Signboard)
Original stencil painting on canvas • Attributed to Banksy (Street Artist, British, b. 1974)
Style & Movement
Urban Art / Street Art / Satirical Pop Art
Medium & Technique
Spray paint and stencil on primed canvas; multi-layered hand-cut stenciling with distinctive paint drips
Creation Period
Circa 2015 (associated with the Dismaland Bemusement Park timeframe)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A chimpanzee depicted in a stoic, frontal pose wearing a sandwich board that reads 'BANKSY IS DISMAL!' in dripping red graffiti-style font. The monkey is a recurring motif in Banksy's work, often used to satirize human behavior or the art establishment. The text references the 2015 Dismaland project.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears taut and the spray pigments remain vibrant and well-defined without UV fading.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $300,000 (Subject to Pest Control authentication)
Auction Estimate
$100,000 - $250,000
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a secondary market or street art collector; lacks Pest Control Office (PCO) certification visible in the frame, which is standard for secondary market validation of Banksy works.
Art Historical Significance
The monkey is Banksy's most iconic avatar, representing the 'Laugh Now' series. This specific variation connects to his 2015 'Dismaland' installation, a high point in his career that bridged the gap between street ephemeralism and monumental site-specific installation.
Notable Features
Characteristic 'overshoot' of spray paint at the stencil edges; the dripping red paint font is a specific stylistic choice representing traditional graffiti 'throws' contrasted against the clean stencil work.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor surface dust and typical texture of the coarse canvas weave showing through the light spray.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional framing under Museum Glass (anti-reflective UV protection); maintain in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity to prevent canvas slackening; avoid direct sunlight.