Banksy Video: My Famous Shredder Malfunctioned

New video suggests painting was supposed to be fully destroyed
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 18, 2018 6:05 AM CDT
Updated Oct 18, 2018 6:39 AM CDT

It looks like Bansky's shredding stunt at a London auction house might be the most lucrative paper jam in history. A new video from the artist suggests that a hidden shredder was supposed to destroy the entire painting, not leave it partially intact, reports CNN. "In rehearsals it worked every time," reads a caption in the video, which then shows a successful shred. Because the shredder apparently malfunctioned, the red balloon in "Girl With Balloon" remains visible, and the anonymous person who bought the spray-painted work for $1.4 million decided to keep it.

The AP notes the fact the shredding stopped right above the girl's head "drew speculation that the act was a stunt to increase the value of the painting." Things may have gone awry, but the piece, renamed "Love is in the Bin," is indeed believed to be more valuable now. The full video shows a hooded figure building the device, as well as scenes of the crowd milling about and discussing the ornate frame prior to the auction. (So who is the real Banksy? Good luck figuring that out.)

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