BANKSY, HAPPY CHOPPERS, UNSIGNED SCREEN PRINT, EDITION OF 600, 2003
The overt and sarcastic criticism of warfare and military activity is something we have come to expect from Banksy artwork, such as powerful works like Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower) This artwork depicts a hailstorm of gunships, possibly Apaches, approaching over the horizon. A bright blue sky behind them, and fluffy cartoonish clouds belies the oncoming danger. The helicopters are incredibly detailed, with particularly accurate recreation of the rotor blades and landing gear - which serves to accentuate the peril evoked by the artwork. One helicopter is wrapped in a cutesy baby pink ribbon, as though it were a gift, which could be interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek nudge at politicians’ rhetoric who preach that when they export their democracy, they consider it a gift to the citizens whose lives they are about to turn upside down through violent conflict. Some commentary framed Happy Choppers as making light of war, however it is unlike Banksy to be so blasé about the loss and destruction associated with military activity and intervention, which is an issue he has been seriously advocating against in his artistic practice.
Read more about Happy Choppers 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.
