Series · Banksy
Laugh Now
Laugh Now is one of the defining images of Banksy’s career and remains among his most important print releases. Featuring a monkey wearing a sandwich board that reads “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge”, the work combines humour, social commentary and political satire in a way that has become synonymous with the artist’s practice.
Originally created as a mural for a Brighton nightclub (Ocean Rooms), the image quickly became one of Banksy’s most recognisable motifs before being released as a print edition in 2003.
More than two decades later, Laugh Now continues to resonate with collectors and remains one of the artist’s most enduring works.
About The Series
Monkeys appear throughout Banksy’s work as stand-ins for human behaviour, often highlighting themes of power, conformity and institutional absurdity.
In Laugh Now, the monkey occupies a position somewhere between victim and revolutionary. The message on the sandwich board suggests a future reversal of power structures, creating a tension between humour and warning that has helped the image remain relevant over time.
The simplicity of the composition is central to its effectiveness. By combining a single figure with a short statement, Banksy creates an image that is instantly recognisable and open to multiple interpretations.
Editions And Variations
Released through Pictures On Walls, Laugh Now was produced in signed and unsigned editions alongside a number of rarer variants.
Collectors may encounter examples featuring different background mediums, Artist’s Proofs and canvas works. While the composition remains largely unchanged, these variations contribute to differing levels of scarcity across the series.
As one of Banksy’s earliest and most iconic print releases, condition remains particularly important. Examples with strong colour, clean presentation and Pest Control authentication are generally the most desirable.
Collecting Laugh Now
For many collectors, Laugh Now represents Banksy at his most effective. The image is visually simple, immediately recognisable and carries a message that remains relevant regardless of changing social or political circumstances.
The work also occupies an important place within Banksy’s wider catalogue due to its connection to his recurring monkey imagery. Alongside works such as Monkey Queen and HMV, it forms part of a broader exploration of authority, hierarchy and social behaviour.
As a result, Laugh Now remains one of the artist’s most collected and frequently exhibited print releases.
Notable Auction Results
Strong demand for Laugh Now has helped establish it as one of Banksy’s most successful early editions. Signed examples consistently attract collector attention, while rarer variants and Artist’s Proofs can command significant premiums when they appear at auction.
The work’s enduring popularity reflects both its historical importance and the timeless quality of its message.
Explore Available Laugh Now Prints
Optima Contemporary advises collectors looking to acquire or sell works from Banksy’s Laugh Now series. Speak with our team for guidance on edition types, rarity and provenance.
