Art History Assignment

1) Sources/Image of the Art:

-https://banksyexplained.com/issue/girl-with-balloon-graffiti-legend/

-https://www.britannica.com/biography/Banksy

2) The name of this artwork is Girl with Balloon, a graffiti mural by Banksy. This piece was originally

created by Banksy in 2002 outside a Shoreditch shop (a district in the east end of London).

Banksy’s identity remains unknown, although we know he/she is an anonymous graffiti artist

who was likely born in England. While their identity is well guarded, Banksy became recognized

as a freehand graffiti artist in 1993.

3) Banksy is well known for their distinct and recognizable artwork, typically consisting of rats or

policeman. In 2005, he created and featured replicas of the works of Van Gough, Monet, and

Edward Hopper and released 200 rats within the gallery. Banksy is famous for leaving graffiti

artwork around England. One of Banksy’s most interesting artwork pieces is “Dismaland”, a

temporary amusement park and art show that acknowledged “inequality and impending

catastrophe”.

4) Banksy’s work was unique because it addressed political and social issues we typically overlook.

Banksy is also unique because their identity remains unknown. This idea alone has made his/her

artwork much more appealing to the world and creates wonder. This piece leaves the viewer to

decide whether the girl is attempting to catch the balloon, or rather let it slip from her

fingertips. This piece could be interpreted as the inevitable loss of innocence and childhood. The

red balloon is the only trace of color in this piece, likely symbolizing childhood and freedom.

5) I could use this piece in my classroom to have my students analyze a piece of work using context

clues. This piece has no exact meaning or understanding and is meant be interpreted by the

viewer. I could also use this artwork to discuss Banksy and the interest behind his hidden

identity. This artwork relates to innocence, hope, dreams and love. I would do a unit on

analyzing an art piece and have the students create their own synopsis of the piece, Girl with

Balloon.