Music

Mark Hoppus Auctions Rare Banksy Artwork from Blink-182

Sarah Parker February 19, 2025

Blink-182 co-founder Mark Hoppus is embarking on an exciting venture into the art world, as he prepares to auction off a rare and captivating piece of artwork by the renowned street artist Banksy. This auction presents a unique opportunity for art collectors and fans alike to acquire a significant piece that bridges the realms of music and visual art.

The artwork, titled Crude Oil (Vettriano), was meticulously hand-painted by the elusive English street artist Banksy in 2005. This remarkable piece is set to be auctioned at Sotheby?s in London on March 4, with a staggering estimated value reaching up to ?5 million, equivalent to approximately $6.3 million. This auction not only highlights the financial value of the artwork but also its cultural significance in the contemporary art scene.

Originally created for Banksy?s 2005 exhibition Crude Oils, this painting is a reinterpretation of the 1992 artwork The Singing Butler by celebrated Scottish artist Jack Vettriano. Mark Hoppus acquired this iconic piece in 2011, marking a significant addition to his personal art collection and showcasing his appreciation for both music and visual arts.

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As part of the groundbreaking exhibition, which was intriguingly described as ?A Gallery of Re-Mixed Master-Pieces, Vandalism, and Vermin,? the original artwork underwent a significant transformation. It cleverly incorporated a ?sinking oil liner and two men in hazmat suits wheeling a barrel of toxic waste,? addressing contemporary environmental issues through provocative visual storytelling.

Mark Hoppus expressed his profound emotional connection to the artwork, stating, ?We loved this painting since the moment we saw it. Unmistakably Banksy, but different. We bought it because we loved it. It?s borne witness to our family over these past dozen years. It hung over the table in London where we ate breakfast and our son did his homework. It hung in our living room in Los Angeles. It?s seen laughter and tears and parties and arguments.? This statement reflects the deep personal history and memories associated with this artistic piece.

Sotheby?s Europe chairman Oliver Barker highlighted the significance of the artwork, noting, ?This isn?t just an iconic Banksy; it is a Banksy that has been treasured by music legend, Mark Hoppus, who fell for this work for its rebellious spirit, raw edge, and unfiltered expression?the fundamentals that also shaped Mark?s world: Punk culture.? This comment encapsulates the intertwining of art and music, emphasizing how both forms of expression can resonate with similar audiences.

Both street art and Punk Rock movements share a unique vocabulary, communicating with the outsider, the rebel, and the overlooked. As Barker eloquently stated, ?Both movements were born from the margins. They challenge authority and rewrite the rules, a fundamental trait shared by Mark and Banksy. Now, by sharing Crude Oil (Vettriano) with the world, Mark will open others? eyes to the true power art can have; to spark conversation and challenge the way we see the world around us.? This perspective reinforces the transformative potential of art in society.

Over three decades, Banksy has maintained his anonymity while creating artworks that have become iconic and, at times, divisive. His creations have adorned the walls of prestigious art galleries and music album covers alike. Notably, in 2021, his artwork Love is in the Bin made headlines by selling for a record ?18,582,000 (valued at $23,442,885 today), gaining notoriety for its self-destruction after its initial sale in 2018. This incident exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the art market and Banksy?s ability to captivate audiences.

Mark Hoppus has committed to donating a portion of the funds raised from this auction to various charities aimed at assisting those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Beneficiaries include the California Fire Foundation, the Child Life Program at Children?s Hospital Los Angeles, and Cedars Sinai Hematology Oncology Research. This philanthropic endeavor underscores Hoppus?s dedication to giving back to the community and supporting important causes while celebrating the intersection of art and music.

Currently, Crude Oil (Vettriano) is on public display at Sotheby?s in New York until Thursday (Feb. 20) and will transition to an exhibition in London from Feb. 26 until March 4. This opportunity allows art enthusiasts to experience this remarkable piece in person before the auction, further amplifying its significance in contemporary art discourse.