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Precision Bombing, 2000

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Precision Bombing, 2000
Edition: 10
Spray-paint in colors on canvas
43x47cm (16 7/8 x 18 1/2 inches)
Dated and numbered /10 in black marker on the reverse

Precision Bombing depicts a group of men in suits walking towards what seems to be a sports car. The vehicle is being targeted by a green precision range finder and scope. The background of this painting was released in a number of different colors (exact number unknown).​
Precision bombing is a well-defined war strategy referring to the aerial bombing of a target with some degree of accuracy, with the aim of maximizing target damage and limiting collateral damage. Precision bombing was initially tried during World War I, however it was found to be ineffective because the technology at the time did not allow for sufficient accuracy. Since World War I, the development and adoption of various types of guided munitions has greatly increased the accuracy of aerial bombing. Because the accuracy achieved in bombing is dependent on the available technology, the “precision” of precision bombing is relative to the time period. Precision has always been recognized as an important attribute of weapon development. Obviously, the consequence that Banksy underlines is that it becomes a game played at a safe distance, participating to the trivialization of warfare.
As a recurring theme in Banksy‘s oeuvre, this work makes reference to war and violence, as well as the constant sense of paranoia in which nobody can be trusted. If the men in suits are to be viewed as politicians or perhaps simply “men of power,” this work makes a pointed statement about the hypocrisy prevalent in elite circles of power and money.​ It might also be viewed as ironic that the very methods by which these men seek to eliminate threats would be used against them. Precision Bombing was exhibited for the first time at Severnshed, Banksy’s first exhibit in his hometown of Bristol.

Auction Results

Precision Bombing, 2000

Christie’s London: 16 October 2021
Estimated: GBP 200,000 – 300,000
GBP 225,000 / USD 309,410

BANKSY, Precision Bombing | Christie’s (christies.com)

BANKSY
Precision Bombing, 2000
Spray-paint and emulsion on canvas
43 x 47.3 cm (16 7/8 x 18 5/8 inches)
Tagged ‘BANKSY’ (lower right)
Numbered and dated ‘2000 6⁄10’ (on the stretcher)
This work is number six from an edition of ten

Provenance
Private Collection
Sotheby’s S 2, London
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2014

Precision Bombing, 2000

Sotheby’s London: 13 October 2012
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 21,250 / USD 34,155

(#273) Banksy (sothebys.com)

BANKSY
Precision Bombing, 2000
Spraypaint stencil on canvas mounted on board
42.5 x 46.8 cm (16 3/4 x 18 3/8 inches)
Tagged; dated 2000 and numbered 5/10 on the backing board

Provenance
Helium Foundation, London
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2011

Precision Bombing, 2000

Sotheby’s London: 16 February 2011
Estimated: GBP 18,000 – 25,000
GBP 39,650 / USD 63,710

(#228) Banksy (sothebys.com)

BANKSY
Precision Bombing, 2000
Acrylic and spraypaint on canvas
42×47 cm (16 1/2 x 18 1/2 inches)
Tagged; dated 2000 and numbered 2/10 on the overlap

Provenance
Severnshed, Bristol
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2000

Precision Bombing (Green), 2000

Sotheby’s New-York: 10 November 2011
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 74,500

(#401) Banksy (sothebys.com)

BANKSY
Precision Bombing (Green), 2000
Spraypaint and acrylic on canvas
61×61 cm (24×24 inches)
Tagged; Police Evidence tag attached to the stretcher
Numbered 3/10 and stamped with the artist’s studio stamp on the reverse of the tag
This work is number 3 from an edition of 10 of which only 3 were produced

Provenance
Rivington Street Exhibition, London
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2000

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