Known as an ‘infamous’ provocateur with his divisive political commentary, Banksy is a street artist who’s famous in all four corners of the world. The elusive graffiti extraordinaire is frequently found making headlines whether it be over new works of his art being discovered, it selling for huge sums of money or yet another debate over the legitimacy of his socio political commentary.
Recently, he’s subjugated the headlines once more over the news that his art is coming to the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow’s city centre. The exhibition, which will be his first solo show in a decade and a half, was chosen to take place in Glasgow as the Duke of Wellington statue (famous for its traffic cone) convinced the artist to go for it as the monument is his “favourite work of art in the UK”.
Speaking on the street artist’s message, Artsper Magazine said: “Haunted by political issues, he promotes messages of peace and denounces the excesses of a sick society.
“At the same time his grating humour mocks the spheres of power, sometimes even the art world itself.”
In celebration of his decision to exhibit his works in Glasgow, let’s explore the legacy of Banksy with the following seventeen murals that show his creativity.
5. “Yellow Lines Flower Painter” - 2007
Considered one of his most famous works, it first appeared in Benthal Green in London. It was painted on the side of a working man’s club and it depicts a painter in overalls who is tasked with painting yellow lines along the road. However, he has instead taken a break and has painted yellow lines up the wall that form a huge yellow flower (a message of positivity and hope amid the tedium of work, perhaps?) | via WikiCommons
6. “Girl with Balloon” - 2002
‘Girl with Balloon’ was first unveiled in London’s South Bank area back in 2002. The art depicts a small girl attempting to grab a heart-shaped balloon which is being carried by the wind away from her. The image seemingly depicts despair but a short phrase written nearby reads: “There is always hope”. | via WikiCommons
7. “Dismaland” - 2015
Described as a ‘nonconformist amusement park’, this work combines “Dismal” (depressive) and Disneyland. The artist himself described it as ““a place where you can get your counterculture easily available over the counter” calling it a “bemusement” park “whose big theme is — theme parks should have bigger themes.” | via WikiCommons
8. “If Graffiti Changed Anything It would be Illegal” - 2011
This art was unveiled on a wall on Clipstone Street (Fitzrovia) where it reportedly appeared overnight on Easter Monday. The message “If graffiti changed anything, it would be illegal” is thought to be a reference to the words of 20th century activist Emma Goldman who said: “If voting ever changed anything, it would be illegal”. | via WikiCommons