Mosquito

Medium: Acrylic and spray-paint stencil on canvas
Year: 2003
Dimensions: 25.4 x 30.3 cm (10 x 11 7/8 inches)
Edition: 25

Stencil signed on the overlap
Dated and numbered on the reverse

Mosquito presents a very simple two-colored image with a stenciled mosquito styled as a military force with large wings and a gas mask, against a white background with red stars. It is painted as a flying combatant in action, swooping down to attack any human that might get in his way. However, in a very ironic turn, if a gas mask covered the insect’s head, it would actually prevent it from hurting anybody, or from receiving the blood it needs to survive.
Sotheby’s London: 9 March 2017
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 40,000
GBP 93,750

BANKSY
Mosquito, 2002
Spraypaint and emulsion on perforated card, mounted on board
80×90 cm (31 1/2 x 35 3/8 inches)
Stencilled with the artist’s name

Mosquito is a play on the perception of the blood-sucking insect which exists in the human mind. It seems perhaps, in this case, it is the mosquito who needs protection from human beings. Banksy often uses various animals, such as monkeys and rats to address social issues. Often these animals, especially if associated with being ”pests” or unwanted rodents like rats, are symbols of the working class, and/or of the fate of the street artist in modern society.

Another version of this work depicting the mosquito against a mosaic-like montage of Queen Elizabeth’s portrait with the same gas mask against her face was created in 2002 with spray paint and emulsion on perforated. This image of the queen is the same Banksy used for his provocative and controversial Monkey Queen artwork executed in 2003.

Auction Results

 

Sotheby’s London: 6 October 2018
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 106,250 / USD 138,660

(#206) BANKSY | Mosquito (sothebys.com)

BANKSY
Mosquito, 2003
Acrylic and spray paint stencil on canvas
25.4 x 30.3 cm (10 x 11 7/8 inches)
Stencilled with the artist’s name on the overlap
Dated 2003 and numbered 2/25 on the reverse
Executed in 2003, this work is number 2 from an edition of 25

Provenance
Art Republic, Brighton
Private Collection, London
Sotheby’s, London, 6 February 2009, Lot 172
Private Collection, London
Sotheby’s, Milan, 27 May 2014, Lot 63
Acquired from the above by the present owner