The 10 Most Famous Artworks of Banksy

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Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. Active since the 1990s, his satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique.

His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls, and bridges throughout the world. Banksy’s work grew out of the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Banksy says that he was inspired by 3D, a graffiti artist and founding member of the musical group Massive Attack.

niood lists the 10 Most Famous Artworks of Banksy:

1. Napalm (2004)

Banksy’s “Napalm” (2004) is a powerful work of art that combines humor, irony, and political commentary. The painting is a subverted version of the iconic photograph taken by Nick Ut during the Vietnam War, in which a young girl is shown running naked and severely burned from a napalm attack. In Banksy’s version, the girl is replaced by a smiling, iconic image of Mickey Mouse, with a bomb strapped to her chest. This subversion of popular culture is characteristic of Banksy’s approach to art, in which he uses familiar imagery to comment on larger political issues.

One of the most striking aspects of “Napalm” is the way in which it combines humor and irony with a serious political message. By using the image of Mickey Mouse, a beloved figure from popular culture, Banksy highlights the ways in which larger political issues can be obscured or trivialized by the media and the entertainment industry. The painting is a powerful reminder that even the most innocent and familiar images can be co-opted to serve larger political agendas. Banksy’s use of humor and irony also underscores the absurdity of war and the ways in which it can be used to justify violence and destruction.

Overall, “Napalm” is a poignant and thought-provoking work of art that remains relevant today. Banksy’s ability to subvert familiar imagery and use humor and irony to comment on larger political issues has made him one of the most influential and recognizable artists of the 21st century. “Napalm” is a powerful reminder that art can be a tool for social change and a way to engage with complex and difficult issues in a meaningful way.

2. Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower) (2003)

Love Is In The Air, also known as the Flower Thrower or LIITA, first appeared in 2003 as a large format stencilled graffiti in Bethlehem shortly after the construction of the West Bank Wall. The graffiti was made on the 760km wall that separates Palestine from Israel. The work depicts a masked man throwing a bouquet of flowers like a Molotov cocktail, symbolizing the power of peaceful resistance in the face of violence and oppression. The image has become an iconic symbol of the street art movement and has been reproduced on a wide range of merchandise and apparel.

One of the most striking aspects of “Love is in the Air” is its use of contrasting imagery and symbolism. The masked figure is associated with the anonymity and subversive nature of street art, while the flowers represent peace and love. The act of throwing the flowers like a weapon symbolizes the power of nonviolent resistance and the ability of art to effect change. The work is a powerful statement about the role of art in political activism and the ways in which it can be used to challenge the status quo.

Another notable feature of “Love is in the Air” is its accessibility. As a stencil art piece, it can be easily reproduced and replicated, making it an ideal symbol for social and political movements. The simplicity and clarity of the image also make it a powerful visual statement that can be understood across language barriers and cultural differences. The work has become a powerful symbol of hope and resistance for activists and artists around the world, and remains a testament to the enduring power of art to effect change.

3. Basquiat being “stopped-and-frisked” outside the Barbican Centre (2017)

In 2017, an exhibition of the works of the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat was held at the Barbican Centre in London. During the exhibition, a man dressed in a suit and bow tie was stopped-and-frisked by police officers outside the building. It was later revealed that the man was the late artist’s father, Gerard Basquiat. The incident sparked outrage and raised questions about racial profiling and police harassment.

The incident took place in the context of heightened tensions around issues of race and police brutality in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Basquiat himself was a Black artist who had faced discrimination and marginalization throughout his career, and the incident outside the Barbican Centre was seen by many as a reflection of the ongoing struggles faced by Black people in the art world and beyond. The incident also drew attention to the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the arts, and sparked important conversations about the ways in which systemic racism affects people from all walks of life.

The incident outside the Barbican Centre served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality around the world. It underscored the need for greater awareness and action around issues of police harassment and discrimination, and highlighted the importance of listening to the voices of marginalized communities. The incident also served as a testament to the power of art to bring people together and spark important conversations about the most pressing issues of our time.

4. Love is in the Bin (2019)

“Love is in the Bin” is a work of art created by the anonymous street artist Banksy in 2018. The work is a shredded version of Banksy’s iconic “Girl with Balloon” painting, which was created in 2002. The shredding took place immediately after the painting was sold at auction for over $1.4 million, and was broadcast live on social media. The work has been interpreted as a commentary on the commodification of art and the power of money to distort and undermine artistic value.

One of the most striking aspects of “Love is in the Bin” is its performative nature. The shredding of the painting took place in front of a live audience and was captured on film, making it a powerful statement about the relationship between art and the public. The work is a reminder that art is not just an object to be bought and sold, but a dynamic and living entity that is shaped by the people who engage with it. The act of shredding the painting also highlights the subversive and anarchic nature of Banksy’s work, which often challenges and subverts traditional artistic conventions.

The sale of “Love is in the Bin” also sparked important conversations about the nature of art and the ways in which it is valued and commodified. The work raised questions about the role of money in the art world and the ways in which it can distort and undermine artistic value. It also served as a reminder that art is not just a product to be bought and sold, but a powerful tool for social commentary and critique. “Love is in the Bin” remains a powerful example of Banksy’s subversive and provocative approach to art, and a testament to the enduring power of art to provoke thought and inspire change.

5. Devolved Parliament, 2009

“Devolved Parliament” is a work of art by the anonymous street artist Banksy, created in 2009. The painting depicts the interior of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, with chimpanzees sitting in the seats of Members of Parliament. The painting is a powerful commentary on the state of politics and the role of politicians in contemporary society. It has been interpreted as a critique of the ineffectiveness of the political system and the need for change and reform.

One of the most striking aspects of “Devolved Parliament” is its use of animal imagery to comment on human behavior. The chimpanzees are shown engaged in typical parliamentary activities, such as debating and voting, but their behavior is often more chaotic and unpredictable than that of their human counterparts. The use of chimpanzees is a powerful symbol of the irrationality and unpredictability of politics, and underscores the need for a more humane and compassionate approach to politics.

The painting was exhibited at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery in 2019, to coincide with the 10th anniversary of its creation. The exhibition was accompanied by a range of public events and activities, including talks, workshops, and film screenings, which aimed to engage with the themes and ideas explored in the painting. The exhibition was a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Banksy’s work and its ability to provoke thought and inspire change. “Devolved Parliament” remains a poignant and thought-provoking work of art that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

6. Kissing Coppers, 2004

“Kissing Coppers” is a stencil art piece created by the anonymous street artist Banksy in 2004. The work depicts two male police officers engaged in a passionate kiss, and is a powerful commentary on sexuality, gender, and power. The work has been interpreted as a critique of police brutality and a celebration of queer love and identity.

One of the most striking aspects of “Kissing Coppers” is its use of humor and irony to subvert traditional power structures. The image of two male police officers kissing is unexpected and provocative, and challenges the traditional stereotypes and assumptions that underpin the police force. The work is a powerful statement about the ways in which queer identity can disrupt and challenge traditional power structures, and underscores the need for greater acceptance and inclusion of queer voices in all aspects of society.

The work was originally painted on the side of a public toilet in Brighton, England, and quickly gained international attention. Brighton is a lively neighborhood which has been referred to as the LGBTQ+ Capital of the UK. Approximately 11-15% of the seaside city are gay or bisexual. In addition, the city is home to the UK’s largest pride celebration each year. Brighton’s rich history with the LGBTQ community dating as far back as the Napoleonic Wars in 1803, has allowed Kissing Coppers to become a cultural staple of the city and its unique population.

7. Bomb Hugger, 2003

“Bomb Hugger” is a work of street art created by the anonymous artist Banksy in 2003. The piece depicts a young girl hugging a bomb, with a peaceful expression on her face. The image is a powerful critique of the violence and aggression that pervades contemporary society, and a call for peace and understanding. The work has been interpreted as a commentary on the politics of war and the devastating impact of conflict on innocent civilians.

One of the most striking aspects of “Bomb Hugger” is its use of juxtaposition and irony to make a powerful statement. The image of a young girl hugging a bomb is both disturbing and thought-provoking, and challenges viewers to confront their own assumptions and beliefs about war and violence. The work is a reminder that even in the face of violence and aggression, there is still hope for peace and reconciliation. The image has become an iconic symbol of the street art movement, and continues to inspire and provoke audiences around the world.

“Bomb Hugger” is a testament to Banksy’s unique approach to art, which challenges traditional artistic conventions and engages with the most pressing social and political issues of our time. The work is a reminder that art has the power to inspire change and provoke important conversations about the most pressing issues of our time. The image of the young girl hugging the bomb remains a poignant and powerful symbol of the human cost of conflict, and a call for greater understanding and empathy in all aspects of life.

8. The Son of a Migrant from Syria, 2015

“The Son of a Migrant from Syria” is a work of art by the British graffiti artist Banksy, created in 2015. The work depicts a young boy wearing a life jacket and holding a plastic bag, with the words “London Calling” written above him. The work is a powerful commentary on the refugee crisis that has engulfed Europe in recent years, and a call for greater compassion and understanding towards those who have been forced to flee their homes.

One of the most striking aspects of “The Son of a Migrant from Syria” is its use of imagery to challenge and subvert traditional narratives about migration and refugeeism. The image of a young boy wearing a life jacket is a powerful symbol of the dangers and uncertainties that migrants face as they attempt to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety and security. The work is a reminder that refugees are not faceless statistics, but real people with hopes, dreams, and aspirations, and that their struggles and experiences must be recognized and acknowledged.

The work was originally painted on the wall of a migrant camp in Calais, France, and quickly gained international attention. It has been reproduced on a wide range of merchandise and apparel, and has become a powerful symbol of the struggle for migrant rights and the need for greater compassion and understanding towards those who have been forced to flee their homes. “The Son of a Migrant from Syria” remains a poignant and thought-provoking work of art that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

9. Flying Copper, 2003

“Flying Copper” is a piece of street art created by the anonymous artist Banksy in 2003. The work depicts a uniformed police officer, with his arms outstretched as if he is flying, wearing a pair of angel wings. The image is a powerful commentary on the role of the police in society, and a challenge to traditional notions of authority and power. The work has been interpreted as a critique of police brutality and a call for greater accountability and transparency in law enforcement.

One of the most striking aspects of “Flying Copper” is its use of humor and irony to subvert traditional power structures. The image of a police officer with angel wings is unexpected and provocative, and challenges the viewer to question their assumptions about authority and power. The work is a reminder that even those in positions of power can be vulnerable and flawed, and underscores the need for greater humility and empathy in all aspects of life.

The work was originally painted on a wall in London, England, and quickly gained international attention. It has been reproduced on a wide range of merchandise and apparel, and has become a powerful symbol of the street art movement and the fight for greater social justice and equality. “Flying Copper” remains a thought-provoking and powerful work of art that challenges viewers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions about power, authority, and justice.

10. One Nation Under CCTV, 2007

“One Nation Under CCTV” is a piece of street art created by the anonymous artist Banksy in 2007. The work depicts a young boy wearing a hoodie, with his arms raised above his head, and the words “One Nation Under CCTV” written above him. The image is a powerful commentary on the surveillance state and the ways in which governments use technology to monitor and control their citizens. The work has been interpreted as a critique of the erosion of civil liberties and a call for greater transparency and accountability in government.

One of the most striking aspects of “One Nation Under CCTV” is its use of provocative imagery to challenge traditional power structures. The image of a young boy with his arms raised above his head is a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance, and challenges viewers to confront their own assumptions and beliefs about authority and power. The work is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming surveillance and control, there is still room for resistance and dissent, and that individual freedom and privacy must be protected at all costs.

The work was originally painted on a wall in London, England, and quickly gained international attention. It has been reproduced on a wide range of merchandise and apparel, and has become a powerful symbol of the fight for civil liberties and privacy in the digital age. “One Nation Under CCTV” remains a thought-provoking and powerful work of art that challenges viewers to confront the ways in which technology and surveillance are shaping our lives, and underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.