Barcode Leopard is an early and highly coveted stencil artwork created by Banksy in 2004. The monochromatic palette, often employed by Banksy to emphasise his powerful message, depicts a majestic leopard emerging from a barcode that resembles a cage on wheels. Like many of Banksy’s works, the artwork allows for several interpretations; the barcode, introduced in the mid-1970s was intended to make people buy more and faster and here it is used as a symbol of consumerism and capitalism. Banksy employs it to resemble a cage from which a creature can and must escape. The leopard can be seen to be demonstrating the ability we all have to free ourselves from the shackles of consumerism.

Another interpretation links the choice of the leopard and the barcode by their unique character. Just as all leopards have a unique pattern of spots, all barcodes have unique combinations too. The big cat embodies the diversity of form, whereas the notion of consumerism suggested through the image of the barcode evokes homogeneity. In Banksy's composition, this link can be seen to refer to the way in which an individual’s unique and private information is now easily bought and sold, to be integrated into giant data banks. The work has also been seen as a less complex comment on the treatment of animals placed in cages by humans for their amusement, in zoos or sea-parks, or the poaching of wild animals and their illegal trade.  It’s a classic Banksy paradox, where two seemingly disparate forms – one a symbol of nature and life and the other of technology and control – stand together to make the viewer question everything. This premium quality giclee art print has been produced on luxurious 100% cotton rag textured art paper using archival quality inks resulting in a superior print suitable for museum or gallery display. 

• Gallery quality giclée art print
• 300gsm 100% cotton rag textured art paper
• Natural white with a matte finish
• Archival inks for vivid colour and sharp detail
• Can be purchased framed or unframed.  

• Framing only available within New Zealand
• Delivery time is approximately 7 working days
  
• Artwork arrives ready to hang
• Hardwood frames in three stylish colour options
  
• 2mm premium clear float glass
  

To learn more about our framing process please visit the following link - FRAMING

Not quite sure if this artwork will be the perfect fit for your home? Don't sweat it. If for any reason you are not totally enamoured with your new purchase you are welcome to exchange it for another artwork or return it for store credit or a refund.

• Unframed art prints can be returned for a refund, exchange or store credit.
• Framed artworks can be returned for store credit or an exchange.

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