THE BANKSY EXHIBITION

 A small group of us from the Village Art Group caught the bus into the city to see the Banksy Exhibition in the Queens Plaza. We contemplated using a scooter to get to the Plaza (only joking).

We actually walked through the pedestrian only streets.

It was a cool winter's day.

We easily found the exhibition in the shopping centre. Banksy is a pseudonym for the English based artist, political activist and film director. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti using a distinctive stencilling technique. His work has appeared on walls and bridges throughout the world.

The artwork "Flower Thrower" is indeed one of Banksy's most iconic and widely recognized pieces, representing the convergence of two themes dear to the artist: street fighting and peace. Created in 2005 on the West Bank Wall in Jerusalem, it depicts an activist throwing a bouquet of flowers as a Molotov cocktail in an unexpected and pacifist manner. The juxtaposition of a symbol of peace, like flowers, being used as a weapon against rioters, challenges traditional notions of conflict and resistance.

"Kids On Guns" portrays the familiar imagery of Banksy's iconic balloon girl, but with a somber twist. The silhouettes of a young boy and girl are depicted on top of a mountain of weapons, holding their toys in their hands. The girl's heart-shaped red balloon stands out against the severe color contrasts, adding a touch of beauty to the composition.

Banksy's use of children as symbols of innocence is a recurring theme in his artwork, providing a hopeful element within his otherwise ironic and satirical body of work.

I also hope for a better world for my our grandchildren. There were many many pieces of work but I don't want to bore you. Banksy is not happy about having exhibitions of his work, it should be seen in the environment. He doesn't sell his work any more either but some had been sold and he gave the money to those in need.