Urban Art Sale Highlights Spray Paint New Masters

The art of the street hits a mainstream market in the New Year. What’s billed as the world’s first sale devoted to the Urban Art phenomenon will feature works by enigmatic UK artist, Banksy, now hip in Hollywood. His "Laugh Now", pictured left, is estimated to fetch $80,000 – $120,000.

Other established artists with sizzling street cred will include Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. But the sale promises names new to the sale room which should stoke up zeitgeist.

Part of the attraction is the gritty range of media, including everyday hardboard and the ubiquitous spray paint. Auctioneers Bonhams say: "We aim to document the incredible phenomena of street art in its broadest sense by exploring its transition from underground subculture to mainstream art movement". The sale will coincide with London’s contemporary art week in early February.