Banksy, Bomb Hugger, unsigned screenprint edition of 600, 2003
This unsigned screenprint (edition of 600) by Banksy boldly foregounds a ponytailed young girl hugging a bomb as though it were a cuddly toy! The bomb, akin to that which one would see dropped from a bomber on 24 hour news coverage, is imposing and sinister. The background is blocked fluorescent pink, which adds to the childhood innocence and serves to accentuate the figure in the foreground. This artwork is highlighting modern society’s affection for warfare, with bombs that are manufactured by some of our largest employers, manufactured in the UK and sold by the millions like toys. Banksy is challenging here the press and politicians who portray warfare as an essential part of "democracy", attempting to justify its worthiness as a course of action to promote (or export) freedom, democracy, and peace. Of course on a more positive note, perhaps Banksy is suggesting that the forces of love and peace can tame the forces of evil. Perhaps through the love of innoncence in children we may one day achieve peace, akin to the themes we see in Girl with Balloon.
