Intelligence Squared The Specialist | The Untold Story of the Shredded Banksy, with Alex Branczik
Jul 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alex Branczik, Chairman and Head of Modern & Contemporary Art at Sotheby's, dives into the sensational story behind Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon' and its dramatic shredding during a live auction. He reveals how the incident turned into 'Love is in the Bin' and discusses the powerful implications of this act for the art market. Branczik shares insights on navigating the media storm and how Banksy’s bold approach has reshaped perceptions of value and artistry in contemporary art.
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Banksy's Market Evolution
- Banksy evolved from a street artist to an elite contemporary artist collected alongside masters like Picasso.
- His team expertly navigated auction processes, leveraging their knowledge of Sotheby's operations to enable the shredding stunt.
Live Shredding Surprise
- Banksy's Girl with Balloon was sold for £800,000 before shredding live at Sotheby's in 2018.
- Alex Branczik swiftly realized the shredding was a stunt and managed the situation with humor and professionalism.
Transformation Creates New Art
- The shredded artwork became a new piece titled Love is in the Bin, changing its market perception.
- The buyer chose to complete the purchase despite the altered state, increasing the work's value and fame.