Graffiti is a controversial subject to some art collectors, and in fairness the old term should now be considered urban art in a more modern sense of art. The prices realized by the likes of Banksy or Keith Haring cannot be overlooked by collectors. Some investors cannot overlook them either. Heritage Auctions includes works and original prints from both of these artists in the January 5, 2022 Urban Art Showcase Auction. Collectors Dashboard has covered both of those artists before but many new names and faces are represented by the auction listings. In a first for our coverage some of the featured art is available in NFT or physical version.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates high-end collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Many collectibles now cost thousands of dollars (or much more), and that definitely includes all types of modern art.

It is not the norm yet to see NFTs and physical art choices together, but it is becoming more frequent. If it is a success then it is likely we will be seeing many more formats like this in 2022 and beyond. The image below is an image of Keith Haring signed by Janette Beckman.

Damien Hirst (b. 1965) 3976. Too Busy Thinking from The Currency, 2021… Non-fungible token NFT Ed. 3976/10000 Minted on December 2nd, 2021 with a current bid of $10,000.00. Heritage Auctions notes that the winning bidder of this lot will have until July, 2022 to decide between keeping the NFT or exchanging it for the physical artwork it represents. Image below by Heritage Auctions.

KAWS (b. 1974). Far Far Down, 2018… Screenprint in colors on wove paper, 32 x 53-1/4 inches (81.3 x 135.3 cm) (sheet). Ed. 13/100. Signed, numbered, and dated in pencil along the lower edge. Published by Pace Prints, New York with an opening bid of $7,500.00.

KAWS (b. 1974). Untitled from The News, 2017… Screenprint in colors on wove paper, 24 inches (61 cm) diameter (sheet). Ed. 23/100.
Signed, numbered, and dated in pencil along the lower edge with an opening bid of $5,000.00.

KAWS (b. 1974). Untitled from The News, 2017… Screenprint in colors on wove paper, 24 inches (61 cm) diameter (sheet). Ed. 23/100
Signed, numbered, and dated in pencil along the lower edge with an opening bid of $5,000.00.

After KAWS. Tokion Poster, c. 1999… Offset lithograph in colors on smooth wove paper 23-1/2 x 17-1/2 inches (59.7 x 44.5 cm) (sheet). Published by Tokion, Japan with a current bid of $400.00.

KATSU (20th century)… Timeless Skull (Black on White), 2013. Screenprint on French Archival paper 39 x 25 inches (99.1 x 63.5 cm) (sheet). Test Proof. Signed and numbered in pencil along the lower edge. Published by 1xRUN, Detroit with an opening bid of $400.00.

Matt Gondek (20th century). Deconstructed Homer (Pink Cocaine Edition), 2020… Giclee print in colors on Somerset Velvet Fine Art paper 13 x 19 inches (33 x 48.3 cm) (sheet). Open Edition. Signed in pencil lower right. Published by the artist with an opening bid of $250.00.

Janette Beckman (b. 1959). Keith Haring, New York, 1985, 2016… Archival pigment print on Satin Silver. Aluminum. 12 x 10 inches (30.5 x 25.4 cm). Ed. 26/35. Signed and numbered in ink along the lower edge. Published by 1xRun, Detroit. Opening bid $250.00.

Here are works influenced by Banksy in this upcoming auction in January:

• Banksy Hates Me (20th Century). Power Now, 2021.
  Spray paint and stencil on canvas, 14 x 11 inches (35.6 x 27.9 cm). Signed “Banksy” in stencil on reverse with a current bid of $200.00.
• After Banksy. Di-Faced Tenner, 10 GBP Note, 2005. Offset lithograph in colors on paper 3 x 5-5/8 inches (7.6 x 14.3 cm) (sheet) with a current bid of $420.00. “Image is modeled after the Bank of England 10 pound note, but instead reads Banksy of England and has a portrait of Princess Diana looking off.

Here are past Banksy sales from Heritage Auctions:

• Banksy (b. 1974). NOLA (White Rain), 2008… Screenprint in colors on Arches paper 29-3/4 x 21-1/2 inches (75.6 x 54.6 cm) (sheet). Ed. 238/289. Signed and numbered in pencil along the lower edge, with publisher’s stamp. Published by Pictures on Walls, London and sold for $162,500.00 on April 22, 2021 after 19 bids.
• Banksy (b. 1974). Pulp Fiction, 2003… Screenprint in colors on paper 19-1/8 x 27-1/2 inches (48.6 x 69.9 cm) (sheet). Ed. 27/150. Signed and dated in ink; numbered in pencil along lower edge, sold for $150,000.00 on November 11, 2021 after 44 bids.
• Banksy (b. 1974). Barcode, 2004…. Screenprint in black on wove paper 19-3/4 x 27-1/2 inches (50 x 69.9 cm) (sheet). Ed. 239/600. Numbered in pencil and stamped along the lower edge, sold for $93,750.00 on February 10, 2021.

NFTs are a new phenomenon but they are quickly becoming part of every facet of collecting. As the gavel falls many new names will be more widely known. Names that can be seen in urban street style works or found signed to the newest mural of your town. This is a chance to invest in urban art that can be stored in a living space.