Banksy shredded his own painting at auction
Elusive artist Banksy remotely shredded his own painting after it sold for over £1 million at auction, turning an art sale into a dramatic protest and increasing its value.
In 2018, street artist Banksy shocked the art world by shredding his iconic 'Girl with Balloon' painting moments after it sold for over £1 million at a Sotheby's auction in London. A hidden mechanism inside the frame activated, partially destroying the canvas as the hammer fell. Banksy later confirmed he rigged the artwork, turning the sale into a dramatic critique of art's commercialization. The shredded piece, now called 'Love is in the Bin,' was acquired by the same buyer and its value is believed to have doubled, proving destruction can sometimes increase worth.