Graffiti Bansky

Fabio Lemos

LA 108

If at first you don't succeed, call an airstrike

Bansky is one of the mayor exponents of graffiti art. As said by one author “Banksy’s worldwide fame has transformed his artwork from acts of vandalism to sought-after high art pieces”(bio.com, web). The graffiti,“If at first you don't succeed call an airstrike,” is one of Bansky’s most powerful and well known street art. Located in San Francisco California, the graffiti is a kid wearing a smoke mask right next to the slogan that conforms the name of this piece. Bansky uses different imagery tools, quotes and the art of graffiti as methods to transmit his message of Americas poor decision making.

The work is displayed using the technique of stencil to show a little kid

standing next to the slogan he wrote. According to one author,”This could had been a representation of Bansky himself as part of the art”. (Girl With a Balloon by Banksy, web) The age of the kid is recognized by the apparel he is using, this being: shorts, a shirt, a cap and the size of his backpack (this being pretty big in proportion to his body).A particular item the kid is wearing is the smoke mask that covers his face and identity. Used as a method to present the common thought of the United States of America as a war approving country (airstrike positive) and with a terrible approach in many circumstances that could have different and more peaceful solutions.
Bansky’s work is characterized by a striking image, often combine by a slogan. Theres a deep meaning behind his work. It often engages political themes, and satirically critiquing war. The stencil image of the kid is monochromatic, while the tools the kid uses to draw the words and the slogan itself are both in a bright red color that attracts all the attention. In the meanings of colors, as said by Cornell Education, “Most colors carry both positive and negative implications. The downside of red evokes aggressive feelings, suggesting anger or violence.” (Color, Value and Hue, web) The slogan of this work says, “If at first you don't succeed, call and airstrike,” and it's referring to the poor decision making of the US government and how they seek the easy way out ( this being war and weapons) even though it might not be the right or best strategy to take.
The art of graffiti used to transmit a message. Most of Bansky’s work has a surface meaning. This has to be straight forward and obvious for the audience to understand. Then deep inside into his work, there’s the inner meaning of the art that captures our imagination. The one that targets the political aspects that the graffiti art is used to transmit. This work was meant to deeply criticize the United States poor decision making. United States can though to be a very war friendly country, choosing to solve all of its problems with military power and force rather than communication.
Bansky’s graffiti work made in san francisco California, “If at first you don't succeed, call an airstrike," is one of the best pieces he has made. with his use of stencil art, the slogan he wrote and the use of graffiti paint as a method to transmit a message, bansky target the citizens of the united states and aims to provoke conscience concerning Americas poor decision making and the harm war creates to the country.