Enigmatic street artist Banksy has captivated the world with his provocative and politically charged art. From iconic paintings like “Girl with a Balloon” and “The Flower Thrower” to bold and self-destructive masterpieces like “Love in the Bin,” Banksy’s creations have become protest, peace and a symbol of social expression through stencils and murals he relies on norms It challenges, addresses important issues and leaves a lasting impact on the art world. Join us as we explore Banksy’s most recognized and influential art collections, each offering a unique perspective on the world we live in and inspiring hope for a better future.
1. Girl with a Balloon
This artwork features a young girl reaching out toward a red, heart-shaped balloon. It has become one of Banksy’s most recognizable images.
2. “Love is in the Bin” (formerly “Girl with a Balloon”)
After the original “Girl with a Balloon” was sold at auction, Banksy orchestrated a self-destructing stunt where the artwork shredded itself moments after being sold, creating a new piece titled “Love is in the Bin.”
3. The Flower Thrower (also known as “Rage, Flower Thrower”)
This artwork portrays a man in rioter’s pose throwing a bunch of colorful flowers, symbolizing peace amidst chaos.
4. Season’s Greeting
This piece is located on two sides of a garage, where it seems to show a child playing in the snow at Christmas time.However, on the other side, there is an image of a burning bin – the “snow” the child is playing with is in fact ash and dust from this fire.
5. Napalm
Based on the iconic photograph of a young girl running from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War, Banksy created his own version with Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald added to the scene.
6. Pulp Fiction
This stencil artwork depicts a scene from Quentin Tarantino’s film “Pulp Fiction” with Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield holding bananas instead of guns.
7. Rats
Banksy often uses rats as a motif in his works to symbolise resistance and defiance. These rats can be seen in various locations and situations throughout his street art.
8. Sweeping It Under the Carpet
In this piece, a maid is seen sweeping dirt under the wall, a commentary on social issues being ignored or hidden.
9. Kissing Coppers
This artwork portrays two male police officers in an embrace, challenging societal norms and homophobia.
10. No Ball Games
Depicting a young boy standing on a ladder, painting over a sign that reads “No Ball Games,” this artwork critiques the gentrification of urban spaces.
11. Hula Hoop Girl – Nottingham
In this artwork, a young girl is depicted hula hooping using a bicycle wheel, while the actual bicycle remains chained to a nearby lamp post. According to a local shop owner, there was a mysterious blacked-out van parked in the vicinity for about two hours. When questioned about the artist’s identity, the enigmatic creator reportedly responded with a wink, adding to the intrigue surrounding the piece.
Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer, researcher and curator.
