Banksy Di-Faced Tenner For Sale

Edition

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Banksy's "Di-Faced Tenner" is a well-known and provocative artwork that showcases the artist's penchant for subversion and his critique of societal norms and institutions. Created in 2004, this piece is a play on the traditional design of the British £10 note. Instead of featuring Queen Elizabeth II, Banksy replaced her image with that of the late Princess Diana, hence the pun in the title "Di-Faced" as a play on "defaced."In this counterfeit banknote, Princess Diana's portrait is accompanied by the text "Banksy of England" instead of the "Bank of England," adding an additional layer of humor and audacity. The traditional wording on the note is also altered. For example, "I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of ten pounds" is changed to "I promise to pay the bearer on demand the ultimate price." This alteration can be interpreted as a commentary on the cost of fame and the role of the monarchy in modern Britain.The choice of Princess Diana for the banknote is particularly poignant, given her iconic status and the public's emotional response to her life and untimely death. By placing her on the currency, Banksy may be commenting on the commodification of figures in popular culture, especially those within the British monarchy, and the way in which they are consumed by the public and media."Banksy's Di-Faced Tenner" is not just a visual piece but also a physical object. Banksy reportedly printed a large number of these counterfeit notes and famously dropped a suitcase full of them at the Notting Hill Carnival and at the Reading Festival, leading to a brief period where they were circulated and used like real money by unsuspecting individuals. This act of distribution adds a performative aspect to the artwork, blurring the lines between art and reality.In terms of technique, the piece is a high-quality print that mimics the look and feel of real currency, demonstrating Banksy's skill and attention to detail. The "Di-Faced Tenner" is considered an important work in Banksy's portfolio, exemplifying his ability to combine art, social commentary, and performance to create pieces that are thought-provoking, humorous, and critical of societal structures and norms.