Applause, 2006
MISSING ORIGINALS
Medium: Unknown
Dimensions: Unknown
Exhibited
Barely Legal, Los Angeles, 2006
Applause shows two air traffic controllers preparing a fighter jet for take off. This print is mostly monochromatic, except for the yellow vests, and the red sign that reads “APPLAUSE” to emphasize and accentuate the message. Perhaps, viewers should clap and celebrate as if they were attending or watching some game show. This work illustrates the media’s attempt to often simplify and transform serious and violent themes in the news into entertainment to increase its audience. We live in a world in which images of aggression are communicated 24 hours a day through television and/or social media, dramatic events have become a form of amusement and entertainment – and this had led to the public becoming desensitized to violence.
It is also perhaps alluding to a show filmed in front of a live studio audience in which there are people that hold up signs telling people when and how they should react. Banksy suggests we are being controlled by media and told exactly when and how and how we should react to something as heavy as warfare. Banksy used a well-known image of former US President George W. Bush deplaning a military Bomber for this print.
Applause is one of six prints belonging to the Barely Legal Print Set, which also includes Grannies, Morons, Trolleys, Sale Ends and Festival. Applause was originally released at Barely Legal as an edition of 100 unsigned prints, printed by Modern Multiples, that sold for $500 a piece.
Applause, 2006
Screen-print in colors on Arches 88 wove paper
80×120 cm (31 1/2 x 47 1/4 inches)
Editions: 150 signed, 500 unsigned
80×120 cm (31 1/2 x 47 1/4 inches)
Editions: 150 signed, 500 unsigned
