Heavy Weaponry
Heavy Weaponry
Signed Mixed Media
Banksy
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Medium: Mixed Media
Edition size: 10
Year: 2000
Size: H 61cm x W 61cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Mixed Media
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Meaning & Analysis
Heavy Weaponry was made by contemporary British artist Banksy in 2000 and comes in an edition size of 10. The black spray paint and emulsion on canvas the print depicts an elephant rendered in Banksy’s recognisable stencil style with a rocket strapped to its back. The image is set against a green backdrop. The elephant dominates the centre of the composition and is captured strolling across the print.
The work’s witty title captures Banksy’s humour and the way satire permeates his works. Banksy often uses humour in his artworks to explore serious issues such as modern warfare, capitalism and poverty in an accessible way. Heavy Weaponry is defined by its minimalist style and iconic tone. 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.
The use of an elephant as an anti-war symbol resonates with other famous Banksy works featuring various animals that represent ordinary people or the ‘masses’ and their interactions with the establishment, such as Laugh Now which depicts a sombre monkey.
Renowned British street artist, Banksy, is the enigmatic figure behind some of the most subversive works in the Urban Art scene. Despite his anonymity, the artists' disruptive stunts have not only gained him notoriety, but they have vocalised his stance on many social and political issues. As seen with the likes of Girl With Balloon and Napalm, Banksy uses his distinctive stencil technique to produce thought-provoking commentaries on challenging themes. The showcase of rebellion that lines his work has caused his secondary market value to soar in recent years, propelling him to the top of the Urban Art scene.
