Press Release

For Immediate release!


JULIEN’S AUCTIONS PRESENTS “BRACE YOURSELF FOR BANKSY: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART”

First Public Auction of Banksy’s Rare and Original “Grim Reaper” Painting with a Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit MusiCares®

A Collection of Over Seventy Fine Art Works by Invader, KAWS, Collette Miller, David Yarrow, Musicians/Artists Dave Navarro and Billy Morrison, Actor Jim Carrey, Television Personality/Artist Bob Ross and More

UK Exhibition of Banksy Painting at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus in London Opens Thursday, March 9th

LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION WITH LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY THE BRITISH BAND “BRACE YOURSELF!” AT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS IN BEVERLY HILLS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29TH

Beverly Hills, California – (March 9th, 2023) – Julien’s Auctions, the auction house to the stars, announced today “BRACE YOURSELF FOR BANKSY: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART” an auction event featuring a world class collection of 73 works created by some of today’s leading and most influential artists including Banksy, Invader, KAWS, Collette Miller and David Yarrow, as well as a series of original political illustrations by legendary actor Jim Carrey and a rare, early-stage painting by beloved television personality and artist, Bob Ross. Additionally, fine art formerly owned by celebrities such as Mia Farrow, Greta Garbo, Sid Caesar, and the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor will be featured. The auction event with a VIP reception and a live concert performance by the band “Brace Yourself!” will take place live Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. PST live at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, CA and online at julienslive.com.

Banksy Brace YourselfThe highlight of the evening will be the appearance of a rare large-scale (8 by 6 feet) painting on canvas by one of the art world’s most talked about figures, Banksy. The 2010 painting (photo left) featuring the Grim Reaper riding in a carnival bumper car across the hood of which is scrawled the caption… “Brace Yourself!” is estimated to sell at $600,000 - $800,000.

The painting titled “Brace Yourself!” was created by the street art superstar and provocateur and given to a local British band who coincidentally shared the same name Banksy wanted to use for his about to be released 2010 directorial debut film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, which would receive an Oscar nomination for best documentary and international critical and popular acclaim that year. To avoid any copyright issues, the band agreed to Banksy’s offer to create a unique painting for the group if they were to change their name to “Brace Yourself!” The transaction of the painting made headlines which featured the group’s new name incorporated into a unique composition. The painting was exhibited in the controversial 2014 “Stealing Banksy?” exhibition and 2021’s “Art of Banksy” exhibition.

Brace YourselfEarliest known examples of Banksy’s “Grim Reaper” motif appeared in 2003, when in his hometown of Bristol, a Reaper stencil painting was executed on the side of a ship used as an underground night club. Banksy also designed a stencil featuring the Grim Reaper with a smiley face which was used on placards carried during an antiwar protest in England. Another example of the Reaper with a smiley face was later produced as a limited-edition series of prints in 2005. The same “Harvester of Souls” imagery, featuring death in a bumper car, would be adapted into a 3D kinetic art installation which drew crowds in New York City during Banksy’s 2013 “Better Out Than In” residency. The Grim Reaper 2013 kinetic art installation, accompanied by an online audio track in which Banksy was quoted as saying that he wanted to make “…a piece of art that would last forever, about the importance of living in the moment,” was subsequently featured in Banksy’s “Dismaland” project in 2015.

To celebrate this special occasion, “Brace Yourself!” (photo right) will perform live onstage at the Julien’s Auctions gallery in Beverly Hills prior to the sale of the Banksy painting and appear at the exhibition opening of the painting at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus in London. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Banksy painting will benefit MusiCares®, the leading music charity. MusiCares provides the music community with a support system of health and human services across a spectrum of needs including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, unforeseen personal emergencies and disaster relief.

Highlights of the auction include (with estimates):

David Yarrow Signed Original Limited-Edition Compton CowboysDavid Yarrow Signed Original Limited-Edition “Compton Cowboys” Photograph ($30,000 - $50,000)

A large-scale limited-edition archival pigment print signed and dated by the British photographer. The Compton Cowboys are a Los Angeles group who use equestrian activities to provide a positive influence on inner-city youth. Yarrow was inspired to shoot them after seeing the group featured on a Guinness beer commercial and conducted the shoot inside of the Warwick nightclub in Hollywood for this photo.

Jim Carrey Signed Original “Donald Trump – Halloween Cyclops ArtworkJim Carrey Signed Original “Donald Trump – Halloween Cyclops” Artwork ($1,000 - $2,000)

A framed original marker on paper illustration of Donald Trump as a cyclops, executed and signed by Jim Carrey. The illustration was posted by Carrey on his Twitter account in 2018 with the caption, "Some people aren't pretending to be monsters. Happy Halloween." In a 2018 article published in Vulture magazine, Carrey commented: "This is my Halloween drawing. To me, the right is a cyclops, it sees in two dimensions. What can I have, what can I get, how can I f#!k these people and get it? To me that's a very narrow field of vision to live in, so I depicted Trump as a cyclops on Halloween because there's no perception going on there... if there's enough snowflakes, it creates a blizzard and that's what we're going to do... you've got to get rid of these guys, these are criminals."

Bob Ross Original Make a Happy Buck Forest PaintingBob Ross Original “Make a Happy Buck” Forest Painting ($5,000 - $7,000)

A painting on canvas depicting a birch tree forest at night hand executed and gifted by Bob Ross to his close friend Dana Jester so that Jester could finish it and then sell it. Ross included a handwritten note telling Jester, "Dana, you can finish this one & make a happy buck - Bob." Includes a first printing of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross - Volume 26 which depicts the process of making birch tree paintings and features a finished example on the front cover. The famed painter and television personality of the long-running PBS show, “The Joy of Painting” and subject of the recent documentary film Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed, created 30,000 paintings yet his work is rarely made available for purchase.

Colette Miller Original Grammy Museum “Wings” MuralColette Miller Original Grammy Museum “Wings” Mural ($3,000 - $5,000)

The large-scale mural by Miller, the creator of the Global Angels Wings Project, was commissioned by the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles and was displayed from October 2018 through November 2022, during which time thousands of people were photographed with the wings behind them, representing the power in all of us to fly. The musical notes floating across the mural are from Michael Jackson's hit song, "Man in the Mirror." Colette Miller has painted wings globally in Kenya, Moscow, Australia, Europe, England, Dubai, The World Trade Center, Japan, Cuba, Juarez, Mexico, China, and more.

David Willardson Original Johnny Rockets PaintingDavid Willardson Original Johnny Rockets Painting ($500 - $700)

An original acrylic on canvas painting inspired by Norman Rockwell's 1950s era compositions, created for the American restaurant chain, Johnny Rockets. This is the original finished artwork from which they produced poster prints to use as decor in the various branches. Willardson is most famous as the designer of Hollywood movie posters for films such as American Graffiti and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Additionally, eight original artworks by Willardson, consisting of original design concept illustrations as well as completed canvas paintings hung in various Johnny Rocket restaurants will also be offered.

Dave Navarro and Billy Morrison Original “Bristol Limousine” Bumper Car ArtworkDave Navarro and Billy Morrison Original “Bristol Limousine” Bumper Car Artwork ($8,000 - $10,000)

A vintage carnival bumper car completely customized by musician, activist, and street artist, Dave Navarro (aka Lifeafterdeath) and visual artist and musician, Billy Morrison, with housepaint, acrylic, and aerosol, and titled "Bristol Limousine" after the hometown of famed street artist, Banksy. Signed by both artists in aerosol with their respective symbols. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will go towards benefiting MusiCares. Note: this item does not function on the mortal plane.

Invader Original “WN-25” Vienna Mosaic ArtworkInvader Original “WN-25” Vienna Mosaic Artwork ($4,000 - $6,000)

An original tile mosaic by Invader “WN-25” that was affixed to the side of a building at the corner of Werdertorgasse and Gonzagagasse in Vienna, Austria in 2006 and now mounted onto an acrylic panel.

The Duke and Dutchess of Windsor Owned “Girl Old Enough To Know Better” ArtworkThe Duke and Dutchess of Windsor Owned “Girl Old Enough To Know Better” Artwork ($4,000 - $6,000)

A framed gouache on gold paper artwork, previously owned by The Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The artwork depicts a humorous and politically relevant inscription which reads, Girl Old Enough To Know Better Would Like To Meet Man Not Quite That Old.

“Julien’s Auctions is proud to offer this remarkable and important collection of art created by some of the most visionary iconoclasts of our time,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “Taken from the streets, underground galleries and private collections, these stunning works from the likes of Banksy to David Yarrow to Collette Miller are shaking the world and market with their confrontational images and messages that are stoking conversation and inspiring revolution and change to the public through the power of their art. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that a portion of Banksy’s Brace Yourself! painting will go towards MusiCares and their work aiding artists in the devastated music community.”

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Julien’s Auctions and to be part of this once in a lifetime intersection of music and art,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “As a recipient of the portion of the sales from Brace Yourself!, MusiCares will be able to continue to provide health and human services to those within the music industry who need additional support with physical and emotional health, disaster relief, and unforeseen personal emergencies.”

“BRACE YOURSELF!” UK & U.S. EXHIBITIONS
London:
Hard Rock Cafe
Piccadilly Circus
Criterion Building
225-229 Piccadilly
London W1J 9HR

Thursday, March 9th-Wednesday, March 15th, 2023
Free to the Public

Beverly Hills:
Julien's Auctions 
257 N. Canon Drive
Beverly Hills,
CA 90210

Monday, March 27th-Wednesday, March 29th, 2023
Daily 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Free to the public

LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023
“BRACE YOURSELF FOR BANKSY: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART”
Session I: 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Press Contact

Mozell Miley-Bailey
(646) 653-3105
mozell@homagepr.com

info@juliensauctions.com

For hi res images at 300 dpi (and above), please email requests to: info@juliensauctions.com


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For Inquiries, Please Email info@juliensauctions.com or Call 310-836-1818.


Register to bid

LIVE AUCTIONS

Registration is required to bid in this live auction and can be done online before the sale at the JuliensAuctions.com Registration page to bid by phone, proxy or online at JuliensLive.com/signup/ to bid live online, or by calling (310) 836-1818.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE AUCTIONS

Registration is required to bid in this online exclusive auction and can be done online before the sale at JuliensLive.com/signup/ to bid live online, or by calling (310) 836-1818.


Placing Bids

LIVE AUCTIONS

There are four ways to bid in Live Auctions:

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  4. Bid in advance by absentee bid. Absentee bid forms are printed in the back of each catalogue, and are also available by calling Julien's Auctions or online by visiting www.juliensauctions.com/register-to-bid.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE AUCTIONS

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Media contact

info@juliensauctions.com
For hi res images at 300 dpi (and above), please email requests to: info@juliensauctions.com.


About Julien's Auctions

Julien’s Auctions is the auction house to the stars. Collaborating with the famous and the exclusive, Julien’s Auctions produces high profile auctions in the film, music, art and sports markets. Julien’s Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world. Julien’s Auctions specializes in sales of iconic artifacts and notable collections including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy, Cher, Michael Jackson, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Hugh Hefner, Pelé and many more.

In 2016, Julien’s realized $5 million in the historic auction of the Brazilian soccer icon, three-time World Cup Champion and FIFA Player of the Century’s collection of memorabilia, personal property and awards, which featured the sale of Pelé’s 3 World Cup Gold medals, sold for a combined total of US $970,992 (£674,300), including his 1970 World Cup winner’s medal sold for $427,100 (£346,000), which set world records for the most expensive Pelé item and the most expensive soccer medal ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s shattered multiple records of sports jerseys sold at auction in the sale of a trio of historic #23 basketball jerseys worn by Michael Jordan (his historic 1984 “Signing Day” official Chicago Bulls rookie #23 which sold for $320,000, a new world record sale for a jersey worn by the 14 Time All-Star and five-time MVP legend), Barack Obama (the forty-fourth U.S. President’s 1979 #23 Punahou School jersey which sold for $192,000, a new world record selling price for a high school jersey) and Lebron James (the NBA legend’s 2003-2004 official Cleveland Cavaliers rookie year NBA jersey rookie season which sold for $128,000) which combined totaled $640,000 as well as Colin Kaepernick’s official San Francisco 49ers rookie jersey which sold for $128,000, a new world record for most expensive NFL jersey sold at auction. Other notable Sports memorabilia sold by Julien’s Auctions include Babe Ruth’s 1938 Brooklyn Dodgers coaching uniform which sold for $187,500 and NASCAR legend Richard Petty’s 1974 Dodge Charger Daytona race-winning car which sold for $500,000.

In 2016, Julien’s Auctions received its second placement in the Guinness Book of World Records for the sale of the world’s most expensive dress ever sold at auction, The Marilyn Monroe “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress which sold for $4.8 million. Julien’s Auctions achieved placement in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for the sale of Michael Jackson’s white glove, which sold for $480,000 making it the most expensive glove ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s Auctions received its third Guinness Book of World Record placement for the sale of Kurt Cobain’s “MTV Unplugged” 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar, which sold for $6 million making it the world’s most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. In 2022, Julien’s Auctions sold the world’s second most expensive guitar ever sold at auction with Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, which sold for $4.5 million.

Based in Los Angeles, Julien’s Auctions has a global presence bringing their auctions and exhibitions to targeted destinations worldwide including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for bidders on-site and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to www.juliensauctions.com.

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