PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Auckland Purchased from Pictures on Walls, 2005

This work is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Pest Control

Barcode dates back to 2002. The monochrome screen print is among Banksy's most famous and now one of the most sought-after works. There were only 150 Barcode prints signed by the artist and 600 unsigned prints with the red stamp.

Depicting a majestic leopard seemingly emerging from a barcode that resembles a cage on wheels, the subject remains open to numerous interpretations. Barcodes were introduced in the mid-1970s. Here it is used by Banksy as a symbol of consumerism and capitalism. It resembles a cage from which there is escape. The leopard can be seen to be demonstrating the ability we all have to free ourselves from the shackles of consumerism.

Banksy maybe linking the choice of the leopard and the barcode by their unique character. Both leopards and barcodes have unique patterns. The big cat suggests diversity of form, whereas the notion of consumerism suggested through the image of the barcode evokes homogeneity. This link can also be seen to refer to the way in which an individuals unique and private information is now easily bought and sold, to be integrated into giant data banks.

The work could also been seen as a less complex comment on the treatment of wild animals placed in cages for amusement. As always Banksy makes a bold and memorable statement.