Optima Contemporary company logo
Optima Contemporary
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Artists
  • Artworks
  • Sell Your Art
  • Art Advisory
  • News
  • Contact
Menu

Artworks

Banksy, Gangsta Rat (Signed), 2004

Banksy b. 28 July 1974

Gangsta Rat (Signed), 2004
Screenprint on paper
50 x 35 cm
19 69/100 x 13 39/50 in.
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3EBanksy%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EGangsta%20Rat%20%28Signed%29%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E2004%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EScreenprint%20on%20paper%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E50%20x%2035%20cm%3Cbr/%3E%0A19%2069/100%20x%2013%2039/50%20in.%3C/div%3E

Visualisation

On a Wall
Gangsta Rat is one of Banksy’s most iconic and recognizable images, merging his signature symbol—the rat—with sharp urban satire. In this piece, the rat stands upright, wearing a sideways cap,...
Read more
Gangsta Rat is one of Banksy’s most iconic and recognizable images, merging his signature symbol—the rat—with sharp urban satire. In this piece, the rat stands upright, wearing a sideways cap, chunky gold chain, and holding a ghetto blaster, mimicking the stereotypical stance and style of a street gangster.

The rat, a recurring motif in Banksy's work, represents the outsider: resilient, unwelcome, and often overlooked—yet everywhere. By dressing the rat as a gangster, Banksy critiques both society’s perception of street culture and the way rebellion is stylized and commodified. It also reflects on themes of urban decay, resistance, and survival in a hostile environment.

This signed edition, limited to just 150 prints, adds significant value and collectability. Originally released in 2004, Gangsta Rat captures the early raw energy of Banksy's street art roots while showcasing his ability to blend humor with biting social commentary.

Bold, ironic, and instantly recognizable, Gangsta Rat remains a standout work in Banksy's print portfolio and a cult favorite among collectors.
Close full details

Provenance

Pest Control Certificate of Authenticity
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
76 
of  268

30 Berwick Street, London, W1F 8RH

hello@optimacontemporary.com

 

+(44) 207 099 5011

Subscribe

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
LinkedIn, opens in a new tab.
Tiktok, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Artsy, opens in a new tab.
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2026 Optima Contemporary

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate our website, understand how it is used, and enhance functionality. You may accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or manage your preferences.

Manage cookies
Reject non essential
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Subscribe to our mailing list

Subscribe for discreet access to new works, private sales opportunities, and informed commentary on the contemporary art market.