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Banksy’s ‘Di-Faced Tenner’ is a striking piece that transcends the boundaries of traditional street art, offering a provocative commentary on currency, value, and societal norms. First unveiled in 2004, this satirical work replaces the Queen’s portrait on the British ten-pound note with an image of the elusive artist himself, transforming a mundane object into a platform for critique. By blending art and economics, Banksy challenges us to reconsider the worth we assign to both money and art in contemporary culture. In this exploration, we’ll delve into ten essential facts about ‘Di-Faced Tenner,’ highlighting its significance and the discourse it generates around authenticity, counterfeiting, and the very nature of art in today’s world.
1.
‘The Banksy of England’
The ‘Di-Faced Tenner’ was created by the anonymous street artist Banksy in 2004, transforming the traditional £10 note into a provocative piece of art ‘The Banksy of England’.
Banksy – Di-faced Tenner (Front)
2.
Princess Diana’s Portrait
The note features Princess Diana’s face replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s, elevating Diana as a symbol of admiration, while highlighting issues surrounding the monarchy.
Photo Copyright GraffitiStreet
3.
Hidden Critiques
The note includes pointed phrases, such as “I promise to pay the bearer on demand the ultimate price,” a reference to Diana’s tragic fate, and “Trust No One,” which adds to the note’s subversive messages.
Photo Copyright GraffitiStreet
4.
Mass Production
Banksy produced approximately £1 million worth of Di-Faced Tenner notes, with an estimated 100,000 circulating during his stunts, yet he avoided any legal repercussions for counterfeiting.
Photo Copyright GraffitiStreet
5.
Public Distribution
The initial release saw Banksy drop bundles of Di-Faced Tenners from a suitcase at high-traffic locations like the Notting Hill Carnival and the Reading Festival, creating a buzz among attendees.
Banksy – Di-faced Tenner (Back)
6.
Legal Grey Area
While Banksy’s creation of these counterfeits technically falls under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, he has never faced prosecution, highlighting unique aspects of street art and the law.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/45
7.
Limited Editions
Following the public releases, Banksy also produced a limited series of screen prints of the Di-Faced Tenner, with only 50 signed copies and 32 artist proofs available for collectors.
Banksy’s 2004 Di Faced Tenners (pink) lithograph is from a rare signed edition of 32. Photo copyright GraffitiStreet
8.
Pest Control
The Di-Faced Tenner has become a significant symbol in Banksy’s body of work, and are used in the certificate of authenticity of Banksy’s artworks with Pest Control.
Image copyright Pest Control
9.
Charles Darwin
The Di-Faced Tenner retains Charles Darwin on the reverse side, which adds another layer to its commentary.
Photo Copyright GraffitiStreet
10.
The British Museum
The British Museum’s collection has acquired a Banksy £10 banknote featuring Diana, Princess of Wales, which will now complement its collection of coins and currency, adding to the museum’s collection of “skit notes”, or parodies of real banknotes.
Image copyright Pest Control
Di-Faced Tenner stands as a powerful testament to Banksy’s ability to blend art with social commentary. This provocative piece not only challenges our perceptions of currency but also invites us to reflect on issues of fame, the monarchy, and the often tumultuous relationship between the public and the media.
Through its clever design and subversive messages, the Di-Faced Tenner continues to inspire dialogue and fascination, solidifying its place as a significant work in contemporary art.
