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.
13. “Choose Your Weapon” - 2010
This work of Banksy’s first appeared in the Southwark District of London. It depicts an aloof masked youth with one hand casually stuck in his pocket while the other pulls on a frenzied dog. The Banksy Explained website calls it “a portrayal of British disaffected youth and gang culture whose aggressive dogs have become weaponry in their quest for power.” | maggiejones on Flickr
![Banksy’s stencilled rat was first seen on Chiswell Street in London holding a sign that read “London Doesn’t Work”. The text was later changed to “I [heart] London Robbo” in reference to a separate graffiti artist, King Robbo, who Banksy allegedly had a “feud” with at the time. A mere decade later, however, King Robbo passed away.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/06/15/14/Rat%20%20via%20WikiCommons%20and%20amandafarah%20on%20Flickr.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
14. “London Doesn’t Work” Rat (I [Heart] London Robbo) - 2004
Banksy’s stencilled rat was first seen on Chiswell Street in London holding a sign that read “London Doesn’t Work”. The text was later changed to “I [heart] London Robbo” in reference to a separate graffiti artist, King Robbo, who Banksy allegedly had a “feud” with at the time. A mere decade later, however, King Robbo passed away. | via WikiCommons and amandafarah on Flickr
15. “If At First You Don’t Succeed – Call An Airstrike” - 2010
‘If at First You Don’t Succeed - Call an Airstrike’ first appeared in San Francisco, California. The graffiti was created at a time when criticism towards the United States was increasing over their missile strike action in other countries. The Banksy Explained website calls it a “ statement about how America is perceived by the world as an airstrike-happy country.” | John Graham on Flickr
16. “Cash Machine Girl” - 2007
‘Cash Machine Girl’ was first seen near Exmouth Market in North London. It portrays a little girl being taken away by an unsettling robotic arm coming out of a cash machine. The mural seems to convey a warning to observers about the corruption of banks and how we are susceptible to being “kidnapped” by such institutions. | via WikiCommons