Rare first issue of the ‘Paris’ CD by enigmatic street artist Banksy, who reinterpreted approximately 400 to 500 copies of Paris Hilton’s debut album before placing them in 48 record stores across the United Kingdom in late August 2006. The ‘spoof’ CD package includes:
CD booklet with cover artwork depicting a topless Hilton, with inner pages including the following images and captions: Hilton emerging from a vehicle next to a sidewalk of homeless people, “90% of Success is just Showing up”; Hilton in a sultry half-length pose, “Every CD you buY puts me even further out Of youR league”; Hilton lounging on a sofa, “Life wasn’t meant to be fair”; Hilton as a nude mannequin, “Thou SHALT NoT WORSHIP FALSE ICoNS”; Hilton in a head-and-shoulders pose, “RACE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PILE!” with line below, “A special limited edition remix”; and black back cover, “Every time someone asks me how I am i hesitate for a Little bit too long.”
CD-ROM disc with remixed music by DJ Danger Mouse, with “Paris, X” in black felt tip.
Jewel case with reworked song label to upper left, which reads: “Paris Hilton, Debut Album, Featuring ‘Why Am I Famous?’ ‘What Have I Done?’ and ‘What Am I For?’”
Inner tray artwork with full-length image of Hilton’s body posing with a microphone, and her head replaced with that of her Chihuahua, Tinkerbell; the back of sleeve features the original barcode. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance, which reads, in part: “The Banksy Paris Hilton Signed CD with front cover and booklet are Original first issue and was obtained from HMV London when Banksy and his team planted the CDs in the music outlets. The CD has both original barcodes…I bought this original from Tony at Raven Records who acquired it from Banksy art dealer Andrew Blumson who also had a gallery in Brick Lane. He purchased it from a HMV employee.”
