A rare Banksy painting, Crude Oil (Vettriano), will be auctioned at Sotheby’s London with an estimated value of £5 million. Featuring satirical commentary on environmental damage, it belongs to Blink-182’s bassist. He plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to support those affected by wildfires in LA.
Banksy, whose real identity is remaining unknown, started his art career in Bristol as a street artist. He is known for his sharp social and political critics commentary. Crude Oil (Vettriano) (2005) is part of Crude Oil series which consists of his satirical reinterpretations of some well-known artworks. Through this series, Banksy critiques big business as the primary cause of environmental degradation.
The artwork originates from Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler (1992), which shows a couple dancing on the beach with servants holding umbrellas for them. Banksy’s version features a more somber tone, and includes a sinking oil tanker which is being carried by two figures in hazmat suits carrying a barrel of toxic waste in the background of the couple.
Mark Hoppus and his wife Skye purchased the painting in 2011 and have cherished it in their homes in London and Los Angeles. Hoppus described the painting as bringing “joy and anger, and hope and skepticism.” He believes that street art and punk rock share a fundamental spirit, reflecting the voices of the overlooked who create their own reality. He has loved art, particularly street art, since realizing this connection.
Hoppus shared that the artwork has been part of their family’s life for twelve years, displayed in both their London breakfast table and Los Angeles living room. He reflected on its deep personal meaning, noting its presence through moments of joy, sorrow, celebrations, and disagreements, and its role in their son’s upbringing. Grateful for the memories it holds, he expressed excitement for it to reach a wider audience, offering others the chance to engage with its powerful message through the auction.
In 2021, Hoppus was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma but recovered after months of treatment. He plans to use proceeds from Crude Oil (Vettriano) to support emerging artists and contribute to the California Fire Foundation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Cedars-Sinai Hematology Oncology Research.
The artwork will headline Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary Evening Auction on March 4 in London, after being displayed at Sotheby’s New York from February 18 to 20 and in London for a preview from February 26 until auction day.
