NEW YORK — Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus is auctioning off a Banksy painting and plans to donate part of the sale to help those affected by California wildfires. The rare and provocative artwork, titled Crude Oil (Vettriano), is expected to fetch as much as $6 million, according to Sotheby’s auction house.
This unique piece is a climate change-tinged satire of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano’s iconic painting, The Singing Butler. Hoppus and his wife, Skye Everly, originally purchased the piece in 2011. The original artwork depicts a couple dressed elegantly, dancing on the beach, shielded by staff holding umbrellas. Banksy’s version alters the scene by removing one servant and replacing it with the disturbing imagery of a sinking oil tanker and two figures clad in hazmat suits hauling off barrels of hazardous waste.
"We loved this painting since the moment we saw it. Unmistakably Banksy, but different," Hoppus expressed. "This painting has meant so much to us and been such an amazing part of our lives, and now I’m excited for it to be out there in the world, seen by as many as possible. It should be seen and appreciated and celebrated and it should bring joy and anger and hope and skepticism.” Hoppus’s enthusiasm for the work reflects its impactful nature.
The auction is set for March 4, 2025, with the painting currently on display at Sotheby’s gallery in New York until February 26. Hoppus plans to donate part of the proceeds to the California Fire Foundation, which assists victims of recent wildfires, as well as to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Hematology Oncology Research.
This bold gesture by Hoppus shines a spotlight on important issues surrounding climate change and the challenges posed by natural disasters. The upcoming auction not only demonstrates his commitment to these causes but also amplifies the causes of those who suffered losses. Both California Fire Foundation and other charities benefit significantly from such philanthropic efforts.
Hoppus’s painting will then be featured at Sotheby’s London from February 26 to March 4, just before the Modern and Contemporary Evening Auction on March 4. Art enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the auction, and the rare opportunity to own such a significant piece from Banksy.
Through this auction, Hoppus aims to inspire others to engage with and support causes tied to climate awareness, showcasing how art can be leveraged for meaningful contributions to society. The fusion of art and advocacy resonates deeply, especially as communities grapple with the long-lasting effects of climate-related disasters.
Mark Hoppus’s auction of Crude Oil (Vettriano) not only highlights the artistic brilliance of Banksy but also serves as a powerful reminder of the role individuals can play to make impactful changes in the world. By auctioning this work, Hoppus is encouraging widespread recognition of climate issues, along with the need for compassion and support for those affected by the recent fires.
With anticipation building around the auction, the community watches closely, hopeful for not just the monetary value the auction may generate but also for the social impact it promises. A portion of the proceeds will provide necessary relief, making the auction not just about art, but about hope and recovery.