Jamie Oliver, the well-known TV chef, recently revealed he once discarded original artwork by the elusive artist Banksy, as he found the pieces unappealing.
During an event at Sydney’s Opera House, Oliver described how he was gifted the artworks at a time when they were not valued highly. "I got rid of them because I didn’t want them hanging on my wall," Oliver admitted, reflecting on his disinterest at the time.
This candid admission sheds light on the now astonishing value of Banksy's works, which have soared to unprecedented heights over the past two decades. According to art market sources, original Banksy pieces can now fetch between €241,000 and €361,500, with signed prints starting at around €42,175. Notably, the highest price ever paid for Banksy artwork at auction was €22.4 million for his piece "Love is in the Bin"—a performance piece where the artwork shredded itself immediately after being sold.
Oliver, 49, reminisced about the 1990s when the art scene was characterized by the Cool Britannia movement. "I’d go to Banksy shows and all the art would be elephants and rhinos. I was like, ‘What’s this all about?’" he recalled, highlighting his early confusion over the artist's distinctive themes.
Banksy’s artworks, often rich with social commentary and branding, have captured the attention of collectors and celebrities alike. Notable fans include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who paid £1 million for various works at auction, along with other luminaries such as Kate Moss, rapper Drake, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Despite Banksy’s global recognition, his true identity remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of his art. Banksy first gained traction during the early 1990s when he began spray painting murals across Bristol. His satirical approach eventually transitioned to larger installations and gallery exhibitions after moving to London.
There’s no denying the cultural phenomenon Banksy has become. His work often challenges societal norms, inspiring thoughtful dialogue on issues such as consumerism and freedom.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Banksy's art, one remarkable performance took place at Sotheby’s auction house in 2018. Moments after his piece "Girl with Balloon" sold for £1 million, it began self-destructing, causing widespread shock and delight.
Oliver's recounting of his experience serves as both amusing and enlightening, especially as he brings humor to his reflection on family life. "We do live quite a weird life - the Olivers are quite funny," he shared. "If you were to put a camera in the house, honestly it’s like the Addams family; it’s so funny what we’re like.”
It’s clear Oliver's connection to the art world has been unconventional, highlighted by his own retrospective regret of overseeing art now recognized as significant. His story not only underlines the unpredictable nature of art appreciation over time but also connects with fans through relatable experiences of growth and change.
Jamie Oliver's anecdotes provide insights not only about the evolution of Banksy’s career but also about personal tastes and the whims of public perception. Each discarded piece he once deemed worthless now stands as a monument to the oft-haphazard pathway of art valuation—reminding us all of how fleeting trends can be and the importance of recognizing value before it’s too late.
