Barcode Leopard
Year: 2002
Medium: Stencil spray-paint and emulsion on canvas
Dimensions: 70×70 cm (27 9/16 x 27 9/16 inches)
Edition: From a series, unique in this format
Stencil-signed “BANKSY” on the turnover edge
Auction History
Auction House: Bonhams London
Date: 29 June 2016
Price realized: GBP 158,500 / USD 221,199
Barcode Leopard, shows a majestic leopard in the foreground who just escaped from his cage, resembling a barcode on wheels. At first sight, this print is a clear criticism on the way humans use animals for their own entertainment, having created zoos or sea-parks.
The barcode serves as a symbol of consumerism and capitalism. Indeed, it was introduced in the 1970’s to standardize consumer’s products, in order to make people purchase more in a faster and more efficient manner. The leopard is demonstrating the ability we all have to free ourselves from the power of consumerism.
Furthermore, 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.
Barcode first appeared on the side of a house on Pembroke Road in Bristol. The stencil was quickly removed from the wall but reappeared a few years after on the occasion of an exhibit in Somerset. Banksy also realized many originals with this iconic stencil.
Variations Sold at Auction
Barcode Leopard
Year: 2002
Medium: Spray-paint and acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 84 x 91.5 cm (33×36 inches)
Edition: From a series, unique in this format
Stencil-signed “BANKSY” lower right
Auction History
Auction House: Bloomsbury Auctions London
Date: 5 December 2013
Price realized: GBP 117,800
Barcode Leopard
Year: 2002
Medium: Spray-paint and emulsion on canvas
Dimensions: 64.8×81.3 cm (25 1/2 x 32 inches)
Edition: From a series, unique in this format
Stencil-signed “BANKSY” lower left
Auction History
Auction House: Phillips London
Date: 3 July 2014
Price realized: GBP 86,400
