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Pulp Fiction, 2004

BY

Pulp Fiction, 2004
Editions: 150 signed, 600 unsigned

‘We are not sure if it’s actually legal to call this print “Pulp Fiction”,
but I guess we’ll find out soon enough.’

Pulp Fiction portrays Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, the two main characters from Quentin Tarantino’s celebrated movie side-by-side, aiming their firearms in synchronization. However, in a humorous and ironic twist, their pistols have been replaced by bright yellow bananas. 
Still image from Pulp Fiction, 1984
The bananas used as guns are reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s iconic 1967 album cover for American rock band The Velvet Underground, which depicts a banana on a monochrome background.
Andy Warhol, Velvet Underground Album cover
At first, Pulp Fiction appears lighthearted, paying homage to the movie and other aspects of popular culture. In fact, Banksy uses this subterfuge to make a strong anti-gun, anti-violence, and anti-war statement, transforming the scene into something harmless and even laughable, and using the context of the American cult cinema in a double-ironic twist since Tarantino‘s trademark style is known for its excessive violence.
Pulp Fiction first appeared in 2002 as a large stenciled mural, near Old Street tube station, in London. It was visible until 2007, until Transport for London painted over the wall on the grounds that the work lent an atmosphere of social decay and neglect in the capital, despite the fact the well-known mural was bringing art fans and tourists to the area.

DESCRIPTION


Pulp Fiction

Year: 2004
Medium: Screen-print in colors on wove paper
Size: 50×70 cm (19 3/4 x 27 1/2 inches)
Publisher: Pictures on Walls

Editions

Signed Edition: 150
Unsigned Edition: 600
Stretched Edition: 8 signed

AUCTION RESULTS

FOR A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF AUCTION RESULTS
PLEASE CHECK BANKSY VALUE: 2004 PRINTS
YOU WILL ONLY FIND THE MOST RECENT AUCTION RESULTS BELOW

BANKSY VALUE: 2004 Prints

Pulp Fiction (unsigned) sold twice at auction so far in 2025.

Christie’s online: 1 April 2025
Estimated: GBP 18,000 – 25,000
GBP 40,320 / USD 52,093

BANKSY
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in colors on wove paper
Numbered 548/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp

Phillips Hong-Kong: 28 March 2025
Estimated: HKD 150,000 – 250,000
HKD 190,500 / USD 24,486

BANKSY
Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Screenprint in colors on wove paper
Numbered 141/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp

 

Pulp Fiction (signed) sold once at auction so far in 2025.

Phillips New-York: 15 April 2025
Estimated: USD 70,000 – 100,000
USD 76,200

BANKSY
Pulp Fiction (signed), 2004
Screenprint in colors on wove paper

Signed, dated and numbered 86/150 in pencil

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