Pulp Fiction, 2004
Editions: 150 signed, 600 unsigned
‘We are not sure if it’s actually legal to call this print “Pulp Fiction”,
but I guess we’ll find out soon enough.’
Pulp Fiction portrays Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, the two main characters from Quentin Tarantino’s celebrated movie side-by-side, aiming their firearms in synchronization. However, in a humorous and ironic twist, their pistols have been replaced by bright yellow bananas.
Still image from Pulp Fiction, 1984
The bananas used as guns are reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s iconic 1967 album cover for American rock band The Velvet Underground, which depicts a banana on a monochrome background.
Andy Warhol, Velvet Underground Album cover
At first, Pulp Fiction appears lighthearted, paying homage to the movie and other aspects of popular culture. In fact, Banksy uses this subterfuge to make a strong anti-gun, anti-violence, and anti-war statement, transforming the scene into something harmless and even laughable, and using the context of the American cult cinema in a double-ironic twist since Tarantino‘s trademark style is known for its excessive violence.
Pulp Fiction first appeared in 2002 as a large stenciled mural, near Old Street tube station, in London. It was visible until 2007, until Transport for London painted over the wall on the grounds that the work lent an atmosphere of social decay and neglect in the capital, despite the fact the well-known mural was bringing art fans and tourists to the area.
DESCRIPTION
Pulp Fiction
Year: 2004
Medium: Screen-print in colors on wove paper
Size: 50×70 cm (19 3/4 x 27 1/2 inches)
Publisher: Pictures on Walls
Editions
Signed Edition: 150
Unsigned Edition: 600
Stretched Edition: 8 signed
AUCTION RESULTS
Updated as of 30 June 2022
1. Pulp Fiction (unsigned)
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 551/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
Sotheby’s online, 26 April 2022
GBP 60,480 / USD 76,205
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 456/600 in pencil, lower right
Christie’s online, 15 March 2022
GBP 56,700 / USD 74,844
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 193/600 in pencil, lower right
Phillips New-York, 21 October 2021
GBP 48,533 / USD 65,520
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 444/600 in pencil, lower right
Bonhams London, 22 September 2021
GBP 47,750 / USD 66,373
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 269/600 in pencil, lower right
Sotheby’s online, 17 September 2021
GBP 75,600 / USD 105,084
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 335/600 in pencil, lower left
Bonhams London, 10 December 2020
GBP 81,500 / USD 113,155
2. Pulp Fiction (signed)
Pulp Fiction (signed), 2004
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 114/150 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left
Tate Ward Auctions, 30 March 2022
GBP 125,000 / USD 165,000
Pulp Fiction (signed AP), 2004
Signed and inscribed ‘AP’ in pencil
Christie’s online, 1 April 2021
GBP 125,000 / USD 172,500
Pulp Fiction (signed), 2004
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 110/150 in pencil, lower left
Bonhams London, 15 December 2020
GBP 137,750 / USD 184,000
