Banksy is planning to support British healthcare by auctioning one of his paintings

Banksy, the well-known, anonymous graffiti artist is hoping to support the British healthcare (NHS) by auctioning one of his original artworks, the goal is to raise £3m.  

The painting in question is called ‘Game Changer’, and it appeared on the wall of General Hospital in Southampton during the first wave of the pandemic. Banksy is now auctioning the original canvas version of this artwork at Christie’s in London, on the 23rd of March. 

The painting is 1x1m, and it portrays a young boy playing with superheroes. Spiderman and Batman are put aside, while he is focusing on a nurse doll wearing a mask and a cape. Its value was previously estimated at £2,5 to 3,5m.

According to Christie’s, the artwork represents hope and respect for all healthcare workers during the pandemic. 

A note attached to the original painting said: "Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it's only black and white." /bbc.com/

A reproduction of the original work will be placed back in the hospital’s emergency department after the auction to make the atmosphere a little more pleasant for the healthcare workers. 

Cover image: artwork by Banksy, Game Changer (2020)