BANKSY, BECAUSE I'M WORTHLESS (PINK), SIGNED SCREEN PRINT, EDITION OF 75, 2004
Because I’m Worthless was released as part of the Banksy Placard Rat series, which also includes Get Out While You Can and Welcome To Hell. In this print, Banksy uses one of his most used symbols, the rat, which simultaneously references the famous French graffiti artist Blek Le Rat. Banksy regularly uses the rat as a motif in a number of his artworks - whether this is a pure coincidence or whether it’s because “rat” is an anagram of art is not certain. The image shows a rat in Banksy’s signature stencil-style, wearing a Peace chain, holding a placard that drips in red (or pink) graffiti reading, ‘Because I’m Worthless.'
As with all Banksy artwork, there may be multiple interpretations to this much sought-after screen print. Since Banksy famously uses the rat to symbolise the average working-class person, one possible meaning could be a reflection on how society deems such “vermin” worthless However, Banksy is also slightly mocking the L’Oreal strapline ‘Because I’m Worth it’, which might be seen as a subversive nod to neoliberal consumer capitalism and its relationship to the exploitation of the working class.
Read more about Because I’m Worthless by Banksy.
ABOUT BANKSY
Banksy is undoubtedly the world’s most sought-after and talked about street artist, his work represents his political and social commentary on the world, and has appeared on city walls throughout it – from London to New York, from Jamaica to the Gaza Strip.
Banksy is not only known for his high profile murals, he has been releasing limited edition prints for many years, produced in various formats, including signed and unsigned works, as well as artist proofs and gift prints. However, only a very select number of people know exactly what the elusive street artist creates and how many he releases. Some editions, for example, are only made available to VIPs, collectors and friends of Banksy’s who are part of the much-coveted inner circle. This has only made the demand for his limited edition silkscreen prints and artists proofs in circulation, grow in popularity year on year. Learn more about street artist Banksy.
