Banksy Girl with Balloon

Banksy Girl with Balloon

Bring the charm of Banksy's Girl with Balloon into your living space. This iconic image of a young girl reaching for a heart-shaped balloon is believed to represent lost innocence and lingering hope. This striking balloon painting, originally seen along London's South Bank, not far from Waterloo Bridge, has captivated the art world and collectors alike for years.

This piece is more than a tribute. It's a 100% original oil painting on canvas, not a Banksy print or embellished reproduction. 

This Banksy reworked piece is a bold statement and perfectly suited for modern interiors. Own your own version of this iconic artwork and celebrate one of the most talked-about pieces Banksy has ever released.

The Hidden Shredder in Banksy's Girl with Balloon

In October 2018, a framed copy of Banksy's Girl with Balloon was auctioned at Sotheby’s in London. Just after the gavel fell for over £1 million, the artwork began to partially shred itself in front of the stunned audience. A hidden mechanical device built into the bottom of the frame triggered the shredder, slicing half the canvas into dangling strips.

Banksy confirmed he had secretly installed a hidden mechanical paper shredder in the frame years earlier, claiming it was a form of protest against the commercialization of art. Then Banksy posted a video titled “Going, going, gone…” on Instagram showing how the shredder was constructed. 

The woman who won the bidding at the auction decided to go through with the purchase. A smart choice, as instead of destroying the piece’s value, the incident actually increased its fame and worth. It was retitled “Love is in the Bin”, authenticated by Pest Control (Banksy's official body), and is now regarded as the first artwork created during a live auction.

History of Banksy's Girl with Balloon

Banksy's Girl with Balloon first appeared as street art on a wall in London around 2002, depicting a young girl reaching out for a drifting red balloon shaped like a heart. 

Over the years, Banksy released several variations of this image across different mediums and settings, including gallery prints and street installations. Notably, Banksy initially offered a limited free print version of the artwork to people who could offer photographic proof that they had voted against the UK government’s involvement in the Iraq War, underscoring the piece’s roots in social and political commentary. Banksy cancelled this offer after the Electoral Commission warned him it could violate election bribery laws and invalidate the election's results.

In 2014, Banksy adapted the artwork again, this time with global significance. To mark the third anniversary of the Syrian conflict, he reimagined the piece with a Syrian refugee child in place of the original girl, using the balloon as a symbol of hope amid displacement. This version was projected onto global landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Nelson’s Column, and was accompanied by an animated video narrated by Idris Elba, drawing international attention and support for the crisis.

The value of Girl with Balloon has continued to rise alongside its cultural significance. In 2021, a Colour AP (Gold) edition achieved a record-breaking £1,104,000 at Sotheby’s Modern Renaissance auction. From city walls to global campaigns and elite auction houses, Banksy’s iconic image has proven itself not only as a symbol of hope and protest but as one of the most enduring and influential works in contemporary art.

• This is 100% original oil painting on canvas, not an embellished print.
• Stretching and framing are based on the selected option.
• Fully insured and securely packed for shipping.
• Fast production and delivery time.