PEOPLE WHO ENJOY WAVING FLAGS DON’T DESERVE TO HAVE ONE, 2003

Provenance

• Lazarides Gallery, London

Auction History

Catalogue Note

People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don’t Deserve to Have One from 2003 is a standout example of Banksy’s signature blend of provocation and humor, sparking discourse within a broader socio-political landscape. One of only three examples of this particular subject – the present work is the only one that bears the iconic, instantly recognizable tag of the artist. As one of the most influential and controversial artists of the 21st century, Banksy has cultivated a following unlike any other. His politically charged statements and subversive imagery have appeared on city walls across the globe, often at pivotal historical and geopolitical moments, challenging perspectives and turning the art world into a stage for activism. His first solo exhibition in over a decade, Cut & Run, recently held at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, attracted audiences from around the world, further cementing his global appeal.

This rare and witty work embodies Banksy’s hallmark social commentary, laced with irony and dark humor. Here, he takes St. George’s flag—steeped in history and national identity—and playfully critiques its modern usage. The flag, a derivative of St. George’s Cross, dates back to the Middle Ages and was originally used during the Third Crusade to distinguish English and French soldiers from their adversaries. Over time, St. George became the patron saint of multiple European nations, embodying ideals of Christian chivalry and legendary heroism.

In People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don’t Deserve to Have One, Banksy has deliberately rotated the red cross, a move that can be interpreted as a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—one of the most widely recognized symbols of Christianity. Religious imagery has often played a role in his work, as seen in his 2017 Grappling Hook sculpture, which made a powerful statement about the West Bank barrier or depictions of the holy mother in Toxic Mary. By intertwining religious motifs with social critique, Banksy encourages viewers to question the symbols of faith, nationhood, and the automatic allegiances that people adopt without reflection.

Another version of this flag sold at Forum Auctions in London, on 23 April 2021.

BANKSY (b.1974) People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don’t Deserve To Have One, 2003 Spray paint on found St George’s Cross Flag Overall size: 132×95 cm (52 x 37 3/8 inches) Unique from a series

The flag, once a marker of historical and religious significance, is now most commonly used at royal celebrations and sporting events—particularly football matches, where fans frequently paint their faces with its emblem. Banksy’s work critiques society’s deep-rooted obsession with sport, drawing parallels between the fervor of religious rituals and the often-zealous behavior of sports fans. The phrase stenciled across the composition serves as a sharp commentary on nationalism, highlighting how easily people embrace patriotic symbols without interrogating their true meaning. He satirizes the way individuals derive a sense of unity, pride, and belonging simply by waving a flag, regardless of the broader political or historical implications.