Even for those unfamiliar with the street art scene, Banksy’s name likely rings a bell. Banksy’s street art goes beyond being pretty, it makes a statement, reflecting strong messages about politics, society, and the environment. Here’s a list of his most impactful works highlighting social issues.
Environmental Issues
- “Gas Mask Boy”: This image of a young child wearing a gas mask while drawing a flower is a disturbing yet thought-provoking commentary on air pollution and its impact on future generations.
- “The Death Boat”: This piece depicts a grim reaper figure at the helm of a ship overflowing with black oil. It’s a stark image highlighting the devastating impact of oil spills and pollution on our oceans.
- “Pledge to the Plastic Bag and Cheap Goods”: A stencil artwork featuring three children raising their right hands to a plastic Tesco bag.
Consumerism
- “Di-Faced Tenner”: This artwork replaces the Queen’s face on a British ten-pound note with Princess Diana’s and the Bank of England becomes the Banksy of England. It critiques the commodification of cultural icons and the power of corporations.
- “Tesco Tomato Soup Cans”: A parody of Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”, highlighting the dominance of supermarket brands and consumerism.
Immigration
- “The Raft”: Demonstrates a desperate group of migrants clinging to a luxury cruise ship, drawing attention to the plight of refugees.
Banksy’s stencils hold a mirror to society’s cracks, but street art isn’t confined to social critique. Murals celebrating sporting events are a vibrant example. Often dismissed as glorified athlete portraits, these artworks can be powerful storytellers. They can capture the spirit of a community, celebrate inclusivity, or even ignite a passion for a sport.
Football Murals as Part of Supporters Culture
Beyond beautiful displays of skill on the pitch, football fosters powerful social commentary. Take a look at “Football Murals” by Andy Brassels. This book isn’t just a celebration of art on stadium walls; it’s a testament to the impact these murals have in addressing social issues.
Brassels argues that football murals are more than decorations — they’re conversation starters. In his book, the author mentions three core issues modern football players address today, such as racism, LGBTQ+ community rights, and child food poverty. Some footballers are more than just field players, they strive to be heard or, as Brassels wrote, “present themselves as three-dimensional personalities’’.
Racism is a persistent issue in football, targeting players, officials, and fans based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality. It can take many forms, from online abuse to discriminatory chants and gestures during matches.
A powerful symbol against racism in the sport is immortalised on a wall in Rome. It’s a mural inspired by Marcus Thuram Jr’s gesture to support Black Lives Matter during a game in the French Cup in May 2020.
The fight for LGBTQ+ rights in football has seen some progress, but there’s still a way to go. However, openly LGBTQ+ players like Megan Rapinoe are paving the way. St. Paul boasts a mural celebrating diversity, featuring Megan Rapinoe, a famous player and a champion for LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to her accomplishments in sports, Rapinoe has repeatedly brought attention to social justice issues. One of her most high-profile actions was when she knelt in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement during the U.S. national anthem.
Even players like Marcus Rashford get a shout-out. Rashford’s fight against child food poverty wasn’t a sudden surge. It was a cause he championed even as a young Manchester United player. But the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 propelled him from a respected footballer to a national hero. Brassels highlights how Rashford transcended team colours to fight child food poverty, his image serving as a constant reminder of the fight for social justice.
Murals are a visual call to action, promoting tolerance, understanding, and compassion. And that’s a message worth celebrating.
The Issue of National Rivalry
Euro 2024 saw another football mural emerge in Scotland. Three players adorned the wall, accompanied by a powerful message: “Hate. Not In My Shirt.” This campaign aimed to not only rally support for the team, but also to promote a more inclusive national identity. It stood as a testament to Scotland’s desire to rise above the minority who perpetuate hatred in the sport. However, the fight against bigotry is a complex one. Even high-profile campaigns, whether featuring beloved athletes or renowned artists, can struggle to achieve lasting change. The truth is, the underlying tension between Scotland and England seems to persist.
While street art undeniably raises awareness and challenges norms, its impact can be geographically limited and temporary. Vandalism and gentrification further threaten its longevity and message. The open-to-interpretation nature can lead to confusion, and legality restricts some artists. However, street art’s accessibility and power to spark conversation solidify its role as a valuable, if imperfect, tool for social activism.
Is Street Art of Real Value?
The financial worth of street art can be surprisingly high. Preserved and legally obtained originals can fetch millions. The value isn’t limited to physical works either, with prints of iconic street art selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, Banksy’s “Choose Your Weapon” price varies from £65000 to £75000.
However, owning a piece of this art movement might seem out of reach for most. Thankfully, platforms like 10101.art are changing the game. Here’s the key difference: you can become a legal co-owner without harming the original artwork.
10101.art uses a multi-step verification process to ensure artwork legitimacy. Experts investigate the seller’s reputation, analyse photos and videos, and conduct an in-person inspection of the artwork’s condition and authenticity. Additionally, we verify documents like certificates or catalogues specific to the artist to confirm the artwork’s history and ownership trail.
Each co-ownership experience is governed by a “Co-Ownership Agreement” outlining the rights and responsibilities of each owner. This agreement fosters clarity and ensures everyone involved is legally protected.
This framework simplifies art ownership by aligning with digital legal trends, making the process more accessible and secure.
Banksy Pieces: 10101.art Collection
Our collection proudly features two original pieces by Banksy, available for co-ownership on our platform.
Turf War (2003)
In his 2003 exhibition “Turf War,” Banksy unleashed a playful rebellion. His now-iconic piece features a well-known historical figure with a shocking green mohawk. This wasn’t a random act of vandalism — it was a calculated challenge to our perception of authority. The mohawk itself likely draws inspiration from 2000 May Day protests, where a statue of Churchill received a similar treatment.
Choose Your Weapon (Gold) VIP
With “Choose Your Weapon (Gold) VIP,” Banksy pays homage to Keith Haring. He cleverly repurposes Haring’s iconic dog, hinting at the power of words over violence with the age-old aphorism “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
This piece is a screen print, where ink is pressed through a stencil onto the surface. Unlike the usual “Choose Your Weapon” series with its vibrant colour palette, the “Gold” edition exudes exclusivity and luxury with its metallic sheen. The “VIP” designation further sets it apart as a limited edition, produced specifically for a select group of collectors.
Both works can be admired live in our partner gallery Monada Art in Dubai’s DIFC.
During the last selling stage there were 1500 1x1cm pieces of “Turf War” in total, $100 each, but now we’re preparing for a new round. The amount of pieces is running low, so the price will go up. This sale will be open for a limited time, so don’t miss out the opportunity to become a legal Banksy print owner and so join the waitlist to stay in touch.