BANKSY, BOMB HUGGER, SIGNED ORIGINAL SPRAY PAINT ON CANVAS, 2003
Bomb Hugger is one of Banksy’s most bold and daring prints, depicting a ponytailed young girl hugging a bomb as if it were a toy. It’s among Banksy’s most sought-after prints on the market for both signed and unsigned editions. The symbolism of this print strikes as particularly shocking - the bomb, akin to that which one would see dropped from a bomber on 24 hour news coverage, evokes an imposing and sinister effect as it is hugged to the young girl's chest. The background colour is a bright, fluorescent pink, adding to the childlike innocence of the image and enhances the uncanny juxtaposition between form and image, while serving to accentuate the figure in the foreground.
This artwork contains Banksy’s commentary on modern society’s affection for warfare, with bombs that are manufactured by some of our largest employers in the UK and sold by the millions like toys. Banksy is posing a decisive challenge to the press and politicians through this artwork, who portray warfare as an essential part of "democracy", attempting to justify its worthiness as a course of action to promote (or export) freedom, and peace. A more positive interpretation could be that Banksy is suggesting that the forces of love and peace can overcome the forces of violence. The artist could be formulating the hope that perhaps through the innocence of children we may one day achieve peace, akin to the themes we see in Girl with Balloon.
Read more about Bomb Hugger by Banksy.
ABOUT BANKSY
Banksy is undoubtedly the world’s most sought-after and talked about street artist, his work represents his political and social commentary on the world, and has appeared on city walls throughout it – from London to New York, from Jamaica to the Gaza Strip.
Banksy is not only known for his high profile murals, he has been releasing limited edition prints for many years, produced in various formats, including signed and unsigned works, as well as artist proofs and gift prints. However, only a very select number of people know exactly what the elusive street artist creates and how many he releases. Some editions, for example, are only made available to VIPs, collectors and friends of Banksy’s who are part of the much-coveted inner circle. This has only made the demand for his limited edition silkscreen prints and artists proofs in circulation, grow in popularity year on year. Learn more about street artist Banksy.
