Banksy Editions
Gangsta Rat (Red) Signed
- Title: Gangsta Rat (Red) Signed
- Medium: Silk screen print
- Date: 2004
- Edition: 150 Signed (350 Unsigned, AP’s available)
- Dimensions: 35 x 50 cm
- Signature: Signed bottom right
Gangsta Rat is just one of a series of Banksy prints depicting his most iconic character. In the “Rat” series, we see the rat as an analogy of injustice and those facing it. We see the rat take on many personas and assuming different characters such as a doorman (as spotted in Pimlico, near the Tate Britain), to highlight the many identities commonly associated with the working class. “The human race…” to which Banksy claims to be ” an unfair and stupid competition” links in very closely with the ‘Rat Race’ (as they call it) as simply a race for power, status and materiality; which many are deceived to thinking they have.
An original was sprayed on the side of Moorfields eye hospital in London. The work was later sold at auction with the proceeds donated to the research of eye treatment.
Banksy said of rats:
“They exist without permission. They are hated, hunted and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation amongst the filth. And yet they are capable of bringing entire civilisations to their knees. If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model.”
