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Happy Chopper, 2003

BY

Happy Chopper, 2003
Edition: 750 (150 signed)

‘A 5-color deluxe print lovingly crafted on heavyweight cartridge paper.
This beautiful image captures the magical moment
American Apache gunship helicopters visit chaos and terror
on screaming civilian populations across the world.
An ideal gift.’

Happy Chopper depicts a squadron of armed military helicopters against a bright blue sky. In stark contrast with the cartoony fluffy clouds, the incoming choppers (American slang for helicopters) are rendered in much greater detail, in dark colors, with graphic emphasis on their heavy and threatening weaponry, evoking a sense of imminent danger. However, the lead chopper is “wearing” a baby pink bow, juxtaposing the violence of warfare with the innocence of childhood. The bow adorning the otherwise accurate representation of the fighter helicopter mocks ideas of masculinity and militarism, whilst reinforcing their inherent menace.

 

 

Happy Chopper first appeared in 2002 as a sprayed mural in Central London at the Whitecross Street Market.

Banksy, Cut It Out, December 2004

The Apache Helicopter has been a recurring theme in Banksy‘s work. This helicopter often adorned with a pink or yellow ribbon has been used in various anti-war protests in London. It is associated with the war in Iraq, indeed, this conflict was the subject of considerable debate at the time, as accusations were made that the military intervention was primarily motivated by Iraq’s oil supply, and not the fight for democracy and freedom as we were led to believe.

 

Happy Chopper, 2005
Acrylic, stencil and spray-paint on canvas
122×183 cm (48×72 inches)
Sotheby’s New-York, 4 October 2018
USD 735,000
Study for Happy Chopper, 2003
Spray-paint on found framed oil painting
79×109.7cm
Happy Chopper, 2002
Acrylic and spray enamel on canvas
45.6x54cm

 

DESCRIPTION


Happy Chopper

Year: 2003
Medium: Screen-print in colors on wove paper
Size: 70×50 cm (27 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches)
Publisher: Pictures on Walls

Editions

Total Edition: 750 (of which 150 signed)
Artist’s Proofs: 31 signed AP
A set of 31 Artist’s Proofs has been released in 2005 for Lazarides Gallery.

Numbering and Signature

Numbered /750 in pencil, lower right
Signed either in pencil or in black pen, lower right


AUCTION RESULTS


Updated as of 3o June 2022

 

 

1. Happy Chopper (unsigned)

 

 

Happy Chopper (unsigned), 2003
Numbered 188/750 in pencil, lower right
Sotheby’s online, 26 April 2022

GBP 37,800 / USD 47,628

Happy Chopper (unsigned), 2003
Numbered 651/750 in pencil, lower right
Christie’s online, 15 March 2022

GBP 32,760 / USD 43,243

Happy Chopper (unsigned), 2003
Numbered 423/750 in pencil, lower right
Sotheby’s online, 17 September 2021

GBP 47,880 / USD 66,553

Happy Chopper (unsigned), 2003
Numbered 569/750 in pencil, lower right
International Art Center, 27 July 2021
GBP 59,109 / USD 82,162

Happy Chopper (unsigned), 2003
Numbered 322/750 in pencil, lower right
Sotheby’s London, 26 May 2021
GBP 37,800 / USD 53,600

 

2. Happy Chopper (signed)

 

Happy Chopper (signed), 2003
Signed and dated in black ink, lower right
Numbered 7/750 in pencil, lower right
Phillips London, 15 June 2022
GBP 50,400 / USD 61,992

 

Happy Chopper (signed), 2003
Signed and dated in black ink and with the artist’s heart annotation, lower right
A Print aside the numbered edition
Sotheby’s online, 26 April 2022

GBP 56,700 / USD 71,442

Happy Chopper (signed), 2003
Signed and dated in black ink, lower right
Numbered /750 in pencil
Forum Auctions, 25 April 2022
Estimated GBP 77,720 / USD 97,927