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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 However, in a humorous and ironic twist, their pistols have been replaced by bright yellow bananas.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

Updated as of 1 August 2023

 

 

 

1. Pulp Fiction (unsigned)

 

 

Forum Auctions: 24 May 2023
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
Hammer: GBP 22,500
GBP 30,150 / USD 37,286

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered in pencil from the edition of 600

——-

Bonhams London: 19 April 2023
Estimated: GBP 25,000 – 35,000
GBP 28,020 / USD 34,859

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 451/600 in pencil, with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right

———-

Sotheby’s online: 17 August 2022
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 40,320 / USD 48,384

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 308/600 in pencil, lower right

———-

Sotheby’s online: 26 April 2022

GBP 60,480 / USD 76,205

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 551/600 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower right
———-
Christie’s online: 15 March 2022
GBP 56,700 / USD 74,844


Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 456/600 in pencil, lower right

———-

Phillips New-York: 21 October 2021
GBP 48,533 / USD 65,520

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 193/600 in pencil, lower right
————
Bonhams London: 22 September 2021

GBP 47,750 / USD 66,373

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 444/600 in pencil, lower right
———-
Sotheby’s online: 17 September 2021
GBP 75,600 / USD 105,084

Pulp Fiction (unsigned), 2004
Numbered 269/600 in pencil, lower right

2. Pulp Fiction (signed)

 

 

Bonhams London: 29 March 2023
Estimated: GBP 70,000 – 100,000
GBP 88,500 / USD 108,949

Pulp Fiction, 2004
Signed, dated and numbered 85/150 in pencil, lower right

———-

Tate Ward Auctions, 30 March 2022
GBP 125,000 / USD 165,000

BANKSY
Pulp Fiction (signed), 2004
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 114/150 in pencil with the publisher’s blindstamp, lower left

 ———-
Christie’s online: 1 April 2021
GBP 125,000 / USD 172,500
Pulp Fiction (signed AP), 2004
Signed and inscribed ‘AP’ in pencil
———–
Bonhams London: 15 December 2020
GBP 137,750 / USD 184,000
Pulp Fiction (signed), 2004
Signed and dated in pencil, lower right
Numbered 110/150 in pencil, lower left

Gallery

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