3
Banksy’s paintings have caused a sensation worldwide. But which works are among his most famous? We present the most well-known Banksy paintings and explain their background.
An overview of the most famous Banksy paintings
Banksy is an artist whose works often spark debate. His images are not only visually striking, but also socially critical. But which of his works are among the most famous?
- One of Banksy’s most famous paintings is “Girl with Balloon.” This work depicts a little girl reaching for a red heart-shaped balloon that is flying away. It was first spotted in London in 2002 and has since become iconic. The simplicity of the image, coupled with its deep symbolism—the loss of innocence or hope—touches many people around the world. Interestingly, it gained even greater fame when a version of the painting was partially self-destructed at an auction in 2018.
- “There Is Always Hope” is another interpretation of the same motif as “Girl with Balloon,” which has also received a lot of attention. This version of the image also includes the phrase “There is always hope,” reinforcing the positive message that even in difficult times, there is hope. The work encourages viewers to reflect on their own life situations and look to the future with optimism.
- “Flower Thrower” or “Love is in the Air” is another iconic image by Banksy. It shows a masked man in throwing mode, throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail. This image, which first appeared in Jerusalem in 2003, is a powerful statement against violence and war, advocating instead for peace and love.
- “Rage, The Flower Thrower” is a variation on the “Flower Thrower” theme, in which Banksy focuses on the power of peaceful protest. Replacing violence with symbols of peace invites the viewer to consider alternative forms of resistance.
- The artwork “No Ball Games” should also be included in the list of Banksy’s most famous works. It shows two children playing with a red sign that says “No Ball Games.” It became known as part of Banksy’s “Better Out Than In” project.
- The panda with the gun is a special work of art that speaks to the symbiosis between power and vulnerability. While the gun appears threatening, the panda is a cute animal. As a result, the image is viewed with a critical eye but also with a smile. This is probably exactly what the artist wanted when he completed the artwork in 2003.
- The latest Banksy image appeared in Marseille in May 2025. It shows a black lighthouse with a bright light shining from its dome. It is accompanied by the words “I want to be what you saw in me.” The artist himself confirmed on his Instagram profile that the artwork is his.
The latest Banksy painting: Why was it removed?
On Monday, September 8, 2025, a new mural by Banksy appeared on the Queen’s Building of the Royal Courts of Justice in London. But just a few days after its discovery, it was removed from the walls of the building. Why?
- The work depicted a judge in traditional robes and a judge’s wig striking an unarmed protester with a hammer. The protester is lying on the ground holding up a sign.
- The sign was red, presumably symbolizing blood. Otherwise, the image was predominantly black and white.
- Banksy himself posted a picture of the mural on his Instagram account with the caption “Royal Courts of Justice. London,” officially acknowledging the work as his.
- However, the building on which the mural appeared is a listed building. More specifically, the Queen’s Building is part of the Royal Courts of Justice complex. This is not only a London landmark, but also an important historical building. Therefore, the authorities are legally obliged to preserve its original character, and such a mural would contradict the historical façade.
- Work began to remove it on September 9. Today, only the outlines are still visible.
Message and meaning of Banksy’s images
Banksy’s artworks are famous not only for their visual appeal, but also for the powerful messages they convey. These images provoke thought and often question social norms and political circumstances.
- A central theme in Banksy’s works is his criticism of capitalism. Many of his images, such as “Shop Until You Drop,” criticize our society’s consumerism and obsession with material possessions. In this work, a woman is seen falling into the abyss with her shopping bags. This symbolizes self-destruction through uncontrolled consumerism.
- Another recurring motif is criticism of government surveillance and control. Images such as “One Nation Under CCTV” address the omnipresent observation by surveillance cameras and warn against a surveillance state. This work, which was found in London, shows a huge CCTV sign with a child painting on it while a security guard watches.
- Anti-war themes run through many of Banksy’s images, such as “Bomb Hugger,” which shows a young girl hugging a bomb. This image depicts the absurdity of warfare and highlights the innocence of civilians, who often suffer the most in conflicts.
- Animal welfare and environmental awareness are also common themes in Banksy’s art. Works such as “Pulp Fiction,” featuring bananas instead of guns, and “Crayon Boy Soldiers” draw attention to the need to break the cycle of violence and treat nature and its creatures with respect.
The influence of Banksy’s images on society
The reception and influence of Banksy’s images extend far beyond the art scene. His works have not only inspired art lovers, but also sparked broad public debate. But what impact do Banksy’s images actually have on our society?
- Banksy’s art has helped establish street art as a serious art form. Gone are the days when graffiti was considered mere vandalism. Today, Banksy’s images are exhibited in renowned galleries and fetch high prices at auctions, demonstrating that they are recognized as legitimate art.
- His works have often sparked socio-political discussions. Images such as “Devolved Parliament,” which depicts the British Parliament as monkeys, encourage critical thinking about politics and democracy. Such provocative representations challenge viewers to question existing systems.
- Banksy’s art also has a positive impact on the communities in which it appears. His images often breathe new life into neglected neighborhoods, attracting tourists and boosting local economic growth. This shows how art can actively contribute to social and economic development.
- The hype surrounding Banksy’s images has also inspired a new generation of artists who also want to denounce social injustices through their art. His success proves that art can be a powerful tool for initiating change and raising awareness.
