Banksy
Girl With Balloon Gold, 2004
Screen print
27 1/2 x 19 3/4 in
70 x 50 cm
70 x 50 cm
Edition of 88
Series: Girl With Balloon
Copyright The Artist
Girl with Balloon is a screen print released by Pictures on Walls as a signed edition of 150, an unsigned edition of 600 and 88 APs in Blue, Gold, Pink and Purple. Girl with Balloon is Banksy’s most popular motif and is recognized the world over for its charm and simple beauty. In a poll conducted in the UK in 2017, that artwork was voted Britain’s favourite artwork highlighting its broad and timeless appeal. The work, like many Banksy motifs, has multiple interpretations The work, which originally appeared across London as a series of murals, was accompanied by the text There is always hope. Girl with Balloon can be interpreted in multiple ways, including hope, innocence, and the struggle to achieve intangible desires. The image can represent the idea that there is always a glimmer of hope, even when things seem bleak as the little girl gently reaches out to grasp the balloon which can appear to float towards her. Subsequently, the work can also symbolize loss and loss of innocence as the balloon drifts away from the girl representing the struggle to achieve intangible desires, such as love, happiness, or a sense of purpose. Girl with Balloon is the iconic work and the image most associated with the artist. Loved across the globe, it is one of the most important works of art of the 20th Century.
Banksy's Girl with Balloon Gold Print is an iconic artwork that has captured the imagination of art enthusiasts worldwide. Originally created as a stencil graffiti piece on a wall in London in 2002, Girl with Balloon has become one of Banksy's most recognizable and beloved images.
The artwork depicts a young girl reaching out for a red heart-shaped balloon that is drifting away from her grasp. The image is simple yet poignant, conveying themes of innocence, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Banksy's use of the red balloon as a symbol of love and hope, contrasted with the girl's outstretched hand and expression of longing, evokes a sense of both joy and melancholy.
In 2004, Banksy released a limited edition print of Girl with Balloon featuring a unique twist: the addition of metallic gold spray paint. This gold variant adds a striking visual element to the artwork, transforming it into a shimmering and luxurious piece that commands attention. The use of gold also imbues the print with a sense of preciousness and value, elevating the image to an iconic status within Banksy's oeuvre.
The Girl with Balloon Gold Print has since become highly sought-after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike, symbolizing Banksy's ability to merge street art with fine art and challenge conventional notions of value and authenticity. Despite its commercial success, the print retains its powerful message and emotional resonance, reminding viewers of the universal themes of love, loss, and the human experience.
Over the years, Girl with Balloon has taken on various interpretations and meanings, becoming a symbol of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance speak to Banksy's ability to create art that resonates with people from all walks of life and continues to inspire conversations about art, society, and the human condition.
Despite the elusive nature of Banksy's identity and the transient nature of street art, Girl with Balloon remains a timeless and iconic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the art world and popular culture.
