Name: Barcode Leopard
SKU: 719959

THE PRINT

Barcode Leopard is an early and highly coveted stencil artwork created by Banksy in 2004. The monochromatic palette, often employed by Banksy to emphasise his powerful message, depicts a majestic leopard emerging from a barcode that resembles a cage on wheels. Like many of Banksy’s works, the artwork allows for several interpretations; the barcode, introduced in the mid-1970s was intended to make people buy more and faster and here it is used as a symbol of consumerism and capitalism. Banksy employs it to resemble a cage from which a creature can and must escape. The leopard can be seen to be demonstrating the ability we all have to free ourselves from the shackles of consumerism.

Another interpretation links the choice of the leopard and the barcode by their unique character. Just as all leopards have a unique pattern of spots, all barcodes have unique combinations too. The big cat embodies the diversity of form, whereas the notion of consumerism suggested through the image of the barcode evokes homogeneity. In Banksy's composition, this link can be seen to refer to the way in which an individual’s unique and private information is now easily bought and sold, to be integrated into giant data banks. The work has also been seen as a less complex comment on the treatment of animals placed in cages by humans for their amusement, in zoos or sea-parks, or the poaching of wild animals and their illegal trade. It’s a classic Banksy paradox, where two seemingly disparate forms – one a symbol of nature and life and the other of technology and control – stand together to make the viewer question everything. This premium quality giclee art print has been produced on luxurious 100% cotton rag textured art paper using archival quality inks resulting in a superior print suitable for museum or gallery display.

Gallery quality giclée art print
300gsm 100% cotton rag textured art paper
Natural white with a matte finish
Archival inks for vivid colour and sharp detail
Can be purchased framed or unframed.

THE ARTIST

Banksy is the pseudonym of a British graffiti artist, political activist and painter, whose identity is unconfirmed. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine irreverent dark humour with graffiti done in a distinctive stencilling technique. Such artistic works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world.

FRAMING

Quality art deserves quality framing. We offer a premium quality bespoke framing service that is more affordable and convenient than using your local picture framer. Your art print will be framed to the most exacting standards by our team of master framers using gallery quality materials throughout. The end result - a beautiful framed artwork designed to last a lifetime that exudes style and craftsmanship delivered right to your door.