Banksy’s “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” Fetches £4.3 Million at Auction
Table of Contents
- 1. Banksy’s “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” Fetches £4.3 Million at Auction
- 2. The Sale and Its Importance
- 3. Hoppus’ Connection and Sentiments
- 4. The Artwork: A Banksy Twist on Vettriano
- 5. Philanthropic intentions and Supporting Emerging Artists
- 6. Charitable Donations
- 7. more from Mark Hoppus
- 8. Blink-182’s Current Activities
- 9. Conclusion
- 10. How has Mark Hoppus used his platform and success to support emerging artists and important social causes?
- 11. Mark Hoppus on Banksy Sale, Supporting art, and Giving Back
- 12. Interview with Mark Hoppus on BanksyS “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” Sale
A Banksy painting, once part of Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus’ collection, sold for a staggering £4.3 million at a London auction. The piece, a subversive take on Scottish painter Jack Vettriano’s famous work, is now in the hands of a private collector.
The Sale and Its Importance
‘crude Oil (Vettriano)’ was sold at Sotheby’s in London on March 4, 2025, exceeding initial projections of £3-5 million, according to the BBC. The sale underscores the enduring value and demand for Banksy’s art, known for its social commentary and distinctive style. The original article suggests the sale was to a “private collector.”
Hoppus’ Connection and Sentiments
Hoppus acquired the hand-painted Banksy piece in 2011. Reflecting on the sale, the musician shared, “This painting has meant so much to us and been such an amazing part of our lives, and now I’m excited for it to be out there in the world, seen by as many as possible. Go get ‘em. Godspeed.”
The Artwork: A Banksy Twist on Vettriano
Banksy’s painting reimagines Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler. While Vettriano’s version depicts a romantic scene of a couple dancing on a beach, Banksy adds his characteristic social commentary. Two figures in hazmat suits are seen disposing of oil drums, a stark reminder of environmental concerns.This subversion is a hallmark of Banksy’s work,blending humor with critical observation.
Philanthropic intentions and Supporting Emerging Artists
Hoppus and his wife skye plan to use a portion of the sale proceeds to expand their art collection, with a focus on supporting younger, upcoming artists. “Coming back to punk rock, one aspect of the community I always hold dear is, if you get lucky enough to gain success, you bring your friends with you. Larger bands bring smaller bands on tour. We support one another from within,” Hoppus stated.
He further elaborated, “I want to take some of the money from the sale of this painting and use it to buy works from younger, upcoming artists. We were lucky enough to find ‘Crude Oil (Vettriano)’ in our lives, and it’ll help us support more art and artists. I want to be a fucking Medici.”
Charitable Donations
Along with supporting the art community, a portion of the funds will be donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Haematology Oncology Research, causes personally significant to Hoppus and his family.Furthermore, they will continue supporting the California Fire Foundation in light of recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
more from Mark Hoppus
- Hoppus’ memoir, Fahrenheit 182, is due to release on April 8. The memoir delves into his battles with anxiety and his triumph over cancer.The article notes the book is “Threaded through with the very human story of a constant battle with anxiety and Mark’s public battle and triumph over cancer, Fahrenheit-182 is a delight for fans and also a funny, smart, and relatable memoir for anyone who has wanted to quit but kept going.”
- Blink-182 released ‘One More Time… Part-2’ in September 2024,an expanded version of their 2023 album.
Blink-182’s Current Activities
- The band reunited with former member Matt Skiba at a charity show benefiting LA fire relief efforts.
- Blink-182 has scheduled headline slots at Shaky Knees Festival in September 2025 and When we Were Young Festival in Las Vegas on october 18, 2025.
- Tom DeLonge has hinted at potential “spring break shows” for 2025.
Conclusion
The sale of Banksy’s “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” not only highlights the artist’s continued influence but also showcases Mark Hoppus’ commitment to philanthropy and supporting emerging talent. From donating to vital charities to investing in the next generation of artists, Hoppus is leveraging his success to make a tangible difference. Explore the art market, support your favorite charities, and stay tuned for more from Blink-182 and Mark Hoppus.
Mark Hoppus on Banksy Sale, Supporting art, and Giving Back
Interview with Mark Hoppus on BanksyS “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” Sale
We sat down with Mark Hoppus, co-lead vocalist and bassist of Blink-182, to discuss the recent auction of Banksy’s “Crude Oil (Vettriano),” and what he plans to do with the proceeds.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: Mark, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. First off, congratulations on the sale of “Crude Oil (Vettriano)” exceeding expectations at auction! How are you feeling about its new home?
Mark Hoppus: Thanks, Anya! It’s a little bittersweet, honestly. That painting was a part of our lives for so long. But I’m excited it’s out there for more peopel to see. I hope the private collector enjoys it as much as we did.
Anya sharma,Archyde News: It’s incredible how the painting sparked a discussion about art and social commentary. The sale highlights the enduring value of Banksy’s art. What drew you to this particular piece originally?
Mark Hoppus: I’ve always been drawn to Banksy’s ability to make you think.The juxtaposition of the beautiful Vettriano scene with the harsh reality of environmental pollution just hit me hard. It’s a powerful statement, sugar-coated with humor.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: The sale proceeds are going towards supporting emerging artists. Tell us more about your vision for that.
Mark Hoppus: Yeah, that’s the part I’m most stoked about. Growing up in the punk rock scene, there was always this ethos of lifting each other up. I want to be a ‘fucking Medici,’ as I’ve said before. Skye and I plan on buying works from younger, unknown artists. It’s about giving them a platform and a chance to be seen.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: That’s fantastic, Mark. Beyond supporting artists, you’re also donating to Children’s Hospital los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Haematology Oncology Research, which are near to your heart.
Mark Hoppus: Absolutely. Those charities, especially the research into haematology oncology, mean the world to me and my family, considering my own fight with cancer.and the wildfires in California are devastating, so supporting the California fire Foundation is crucial.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: speaking of personal battles – your memoir, “Fahrenheit 182,” is coming out soon. What can readers expect?
Mark Hoppus: It’s a pretty raw and honest look at my life, not just the Blink-182 stuff, but also my struggles with anxiety and my cancer journey. Hopefully, it’ll resonate with people who have felt like giving up.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: 2024 saw the release of ‘One More Time… Part 2’, an expanded version of Blink-182’s previous album. What can fans expect from the band in the coming year?
Mark Hoppus: we have festivals lined up – Shaky Knees and When We Were Young. Tom [DeLonge] is hinting at some “spring break shows,” which could be pretty chaotic! We’re always working on new music, so who knows what the future holds.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: You mentioned recently that Blink-182 reunited with Matt Skiba for a charity gig. How was it performing together after all this time?
Mark Hoppus: It was great! Matt’s a fantastic guy, and it was for a good cause, benefiting LA fire relief efforts. It felt good to be giving back.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: Mark, this sale exemplifies how art and success can be leveraged for good.What advice would you give to other artists or individuals who find themselves in a similar position?
Mark Hoppus: Use your platform, whatever it is, to support the things you believe in. Find local charities, emerging artists, and causes that resonate with you. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: That’s powerful. One last, slightly thought-provoking question: Do you think that Banksy’s commentary on environmental issues is more relevant now than when the painting was originally created, considering the increasing urgency of climate change?
Mark Hoppus: I think it’s tragically even more relevant now. The painting’s message has only become louder and more urgent. It’s a constant reminder that we need to take action. It’s a call for accountability.
Anya Sharma, Archyde News: Mark, thank you so much for your time and your thoughtful insights, its been a pleasure getting to speak with you about your art collection.
Mark Hoppus: Thanks for having me, Anya.
Do you agree with Mark’s perspective? Share your thoughts on Banksy’s art and the importance of supporting emerging artists in the comments below.
