Applause is a signed screen print in colours released in an edition of 650 prints with 150 signed and 500 unsigned works in 2006. It first appeared on canvas as a part of Banksy’s Barely Legal exhibition in a warehouse in Los Angeles, along with the release of 100 unsigned prints. Along with the screen prints Grannies, Morons, Trolley’s, Festival and Sale Ends, this edition is a part of the much sought-after Barely Legal Box Set.
Applause is one of Banksy’s most unique stencil works with regards to a more detailed, sketch-like execution, which diverges from the artist’s usual punchy graffiti style. It depicts two air traffic controllers in bright yellow jackets with one of them holding up a sign with the words ‘Applause’ written across it in red. The background features a black and white photograph of a military ship and its runway, where a large-scale airplane is about to take off.
