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.
9. “Falling Shopper” (Shop Till Your Drop) - 2011
‘Falling Shopper’ can be found in London’s Mayfair district. It is said to be one of the better preserved Banksy works as it is placed so high off the ground. It depicts a woman plummeting to her death as she desperately reaches out to her shopping trolley. It reminds us of the (perilous) dangers of consumerism. | via WikiCommons
10. “Napalm” (Can’t Beat That Feeling) - 2004
The Banksy Explained website writes “Napalm is probably one of the most poignant and striking prints that Banksy created, cementing his position as one of the pioneering political contemporary artists. This artwork is a striking statement against the military-industrialist complex linking warfare with capitalism that Banksy is criticising all along his oeuvre.” | Sussex Police (PA)
11. “One Nation Under CCTV” - 2007
‘One Nation Under CCTV’ first appeared in Newman Street, London. It depicts a child in a red hood painting “one nation under CCTV” while being supervised by a police officer. The art sits adjacent to a CCTV camera. It poses a warning to the public about the emerging surveillance state of the world. In places like China, the IHS Markit estimated that the country had 540 million cameras in it i.e., more than one camera per three people. | via WikiCommons
12. “Very Little Helps” - 2008
‘Very Little Helps’ was created next to a pharmacy on Essex Road in North London. It shows a group of children hoisting a Tesco bag as a flag as they gather around the flagpole. The graffiti art is said to be Banksy’s “critique” of the spread of mega-corporations worldwide which is harmful to local (and often rural) communities. | Stefan Rousseau (PA)