Heavy Weaponry (canvas)
Heavy Weaponry (canvas)
Signed Mixed Media
Banksy
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30 x 30cm, Edition of 25, Mixed Media
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Meaning & Analysis
Heavy Weaponry was made by contemporary British artist Banksy in 2004 using black spray paint and stencils. The print, which comes in an edition size of 25, depicts an elephant rendered in Banksy’s recognisable stencil style with a rocket strapped to its back. The image is set against a plain backdrop and the elephant dominates the centre of the composition as it is captured in motion strolling across the plain of the artwork.
The work is defined by its minimalist style and iconic tone. The use of stencils is a characteristic feature of Banksy’s visual style. The artist started producing freehand graffiti drawings, however switched to using stencils as it enabled him to speed up the artistic process and avoid being caught by the police and being spotted by onlookers.
The image of the elephant bearing a rocket on its back can be interpreted in various ways. The primary message of the print is anti-military, in line with Banksy’s other works using similar imagery. Using the elephant as an anti-war symbol resonates with other famous Banksy works in which various animals are used as symbols, for example, the way monkeys are used to represent ordinary people or the ‘masses’ and their interactions with the establishment in Laugh Now.