Araño, Prince Joey B.

Art Log
10 - Bookkeeping Mr. Anthony Nale

Girl with Balloon by Banksy

Girl with Balloon is a 2002-started London series of stencil murals by one of the world's
most secretive artists, Banksy. It was painted over the South Bank bridge wall near the National
Theatre in London. The artwork shows a young girl standing with her dress and hair blowing in
the wind, releasing or reaching for a red heart-shaped balloon, accompanied by the text "There is
always hope." It is also known as one of the most iconic works of Banksy and emerged as the
number one favorite artwork of the British community.

Most of the viewers interpret the artwork as a loss of innocence or the arrival of new
hope and love. But, personally, the art conveys a much deeper meaning other than love and hope.
It shows how and why people continue to live in this cruel world. It uncovers the reason why we
let go or reach for our aspirations to live and survive. Moreover, it unveils the way we face
challenges and struggles in life despite losing our hopes, just like the girl who remained standing
firmly amidst the rage of the wind.

All in all, I could say that Banksy's Girl with Balloon is a legit depiction of the human
experience. Girl with Balloon does not only exhibit a nostalgia of childhood, but it also makes
people reminisce how they stand firmly in getting through the battle of life.