PROVENANCE Private Collection

First created in 2002, Laugh Now was originally commissioned by a nightclub in Brighton Since then, Banksy has recreated this iconic image many times, with several versions appearing as prints in the Existencilism show of 2002, his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles.

Laugh Now depicts a monkey standing upright, his shoulders sloped and his face drawn; although the eyes are in shadow, his expression is one of dejection. He wears a sandwich board with text Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge. As is often the case, Banksy has the last laugh.