BANKSY
You Told Me That Joke Twice, 2000
Acrylic, spray enamel and oil-stick on canvas
124.8 x 165.1 cm (49×65 inches)
Stencil-signed “BANKSY”, lower right
Provenance
Severnshed, Bristol
Private Collection (acquired from the above in 2005)
Christie’s, London, February 12, 2010, lot 270
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale
Severnshed, Bristol
Private Collection (acquired from the above in 2005)
Christie’s, London, February 12, 2010, lot 270
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale
Exhibited
Severnshed, Bristol, 2000
Auction History
Sotheby’s New-York: 14 November 2012
Estimated: USD 180,000 – 250,000
Price realized: USD 368,500
Christie’s London: 11 February 2010
Estimated: GBP 100,000 – 150,000
Price realized: GBP 169,250
You Told That Joke Twice
is one of Banksy’s rare, incredibly painterly original canvases. Depicted in dynamic, colorful brush strokes and spray paint, the image shows a clown being taken away by the police, suggested by the title that he is being punished for having told the same joke twice. This vibrant piece is a humorous commentary by Banksy against the unfairness of police brutality, which is a common subject tackled throughout the artist’s oeuvre.
Exhibited at Banksy’s seminal first indoor exhibit at Severnshed in his hometown of Bristol, this work shows the playful wit associated with Banksy’s pared down compositions.
EXHIBITED AT BANKSY’S SEMINAL FIRST INDOOR PAINTINGS SHOW AT SEVERNSHED IN HIS HOMETOWN OF BRISTOL, YOU TOLD THAT JOKE TWICE, SHOWS THE PLAYFUL WIT ASSOCIATED WITH BANKSY’S PARED DOWN COMPOSITIONS. YOU TOLD THAT JOKE TWICE OFFERS THE FAMILIAR TROPE OF ONE OF THE ARTIST’S FAVORITE SCAPEGOATS, THE FACELESS POLICE OFFICER, IN THIS CASE ON A WITCH-HUNT FOR THE PAGLIACCI OF PEACE. THE IMPLIED FORCE REDUCED TO A PATHETIC SCENE AND EFFECTIVE FARCE.
