BANKSY, PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OIL ON CANVAS, 200
Pledge Allegiance to the Flag shows three children standing around a flagpole, as one child raises the flag, the other two look on, hands on their hearts, as though pledging allegiance. The flag however is a plastic grocery bag from the supermarket chain Tesco. Tesco is famous for their huge, monolithic superstores as a symbol for “big business”. They are said to have destroyed small independent retailers across UK towns. As with many large corporates, the reputation of the retailer has often been called into question over the years, making themselves an ideal target for Banksy's critical eye. The artist has been outspoken on a number of political issues, consumerism and the commercial establishment being one such adamant focus, such as in other works like Sale Ends v2 and Barcode.
This original painting was released in the same year in an edition of screen print entitled “Very little Helps”, referencing Tesco's advertising slogan ‘Every Little Helps’, which gives context to the clever title of the artwork.
Very Little Helps is available to purchase as a signed screen print on MyArtBroker.
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.
