Banksy
Get Out While You Can (Signed) , 2004
Screen print
19 3/4 x 13 3/4 in
50 x 35 cm
50 x 35 cm
Edition of 75
Series: Get Out While You Can
Copyright The Artist
Get Out While You Can (Red) is a 2004 screen print by Banksy that explores the themes of capitalism, protest and the working class. Released and published by Pictures on Walls the work is from a signed edition of 75 and an unsigned edition of 175. Banksy’s Get Out While You Can print is part of a series of three, commonly known as the Placard Rats, with each rat holding a protest placard with a phrase seemingly graffitied onto the card. Get Our While You can appear as a phrase on the placard held aloft by the rat. The phrase itself conveys meanings of danger and escapism. Escapism from what we ask? Banksy, known only to a select few, is challenging us to question our place in society and our own worth. Through protest, the attempt to both challenge and change the status quo, we have the chance to get out of the rat race, to leave behind the trappings, violence and destruction of capitalism and escape. The phrase itself is a reference to a book by George Marshall titled "Get Out While You Can" which discusses escaping wage slavery and consumerism. The rat can be seen to symbolize the working class, every day person on the street, and the masses, and how society deems them worthless and not good enough. Protest is the answer. Far from being downtrodden and ignored, rats themselves living as marginalised animals, eking out a living in shadows and on the peripheries of society, The work is a call to arms as Banksy invites the disenfranchised and working classes to embrace protest, to question their value and to rise up.
Banksy, the elusive and pseudonymous street artist, has gained international acclaim for his thought-provoking and often politically charged artwork. While Banksy is primarily known for his public murals and installations, he has also ventured into the world of prints, allowing a wider audience to access and appreciate his work.
Banksy prints are reproductions of the artist's original creations, typically made using various printmaking techniques such as screen printing or lithography. These prints serve as a means for Banksy to reach a broader audience beyond those who can encounter his street art in person. They also offer an opportunity for art enthusiasts to own a piece of Banksy's work without having to acquire a large-scale mural or installation.
One of the most famous Banksy prints is arguably "Girl with a Balloon," which features a young girl reaching out toward a red, heart-shaped balloon. This image has become iconic and has been reproduced in various forms, including prints. Another notable print is "Flower Thrower," depicting a rioter preparing to throw a bunch of flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail. Banksy's prints often carry a strong message or commentary on societal issues, combining humor, wit, and social critique.
The limited edition nature of Banksy prints adds to their allure. Many of his prints are released in limited quantities, contributing to their collectible and valuable status. The limited availability, combined with Banksy's mysterious identity, has led to a significant demand for his prints in the art market.
However, the authenticity of Banksy prints can be a subject of scrutiny due to the prevalence of unauthorized reproductions. To address this, Banksy's authentication body, Pest Control, was established to verify the authenticity of his works. Pest Control issues certificates of authenticity for authorized Banksy prints, helping collectors ensure the legitimacy of their acquisitions.
Banksy's prints play a crucial role in making his art more accessible to a wider audience, bridging the gap between street art and traditional art markets. The popularity and significance of Banksy prints highlight the enduring impact of his thought-provoking and socially relevant imagery, making him a notable and influential figure in the contemporary art scene.
