Bloody Empire
#17 / 18

Bloody Empire is a brand new work that continues Reid’s interest in subverting the portraiture of political figureheads and monarchs. Reid is famously known for his iconic artwork for the Sex Pistols, including God Save the Queen and Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. In this composition, he switches the subject to Queen Victoria who was in power while the British Empire conquered the world. The blood dripping from the corner of her mouth alludes to the ruthlessness and power of the monarchy both then and now. The cut-out letters across the NFT, akin to a ransom note, are typical of Reid’s work. Over the years, Reid has retained an active role in politics and social activism through a variety of media. His practice which spans more than five decades remains witty, powerful and iconic. His works articulate key issues of our time and call on racism, criminal justice systems, nuclear weapons, civil liberties and equality.

"People who talk about revolution and class struggle without referring explicitly to everyday life, without understanding what is subversive about love and what is positive in the refusal of constraints, such people have a corpse in their mouth."

100% of the proceeds from the initial sale of the NFT will be donated to The Florence Institute in Liverpool. The Florrie a community centre with an incredible initiative in which Reid has lived and worked for over 30 years.