‘Heavy Weaponry’ by Banksy (after), 2021
Another of Banksy's famous anti-military pieces first appearing in various formats in 2002.
Released as a print on canvas by Pictures on Walls in 2004.
13.5 x 19.5 Inches
34.3 x 49.5 Centimeters
Screen print on 220gsm archival fine art paper.
Limited Edition of only 20 (#13/20)
Hand-numbered in pencil bottom right.
Stamped “Banksy” in red on the reverse.
A professionally printed, precise REPLICA print made to exacting quality based on the original edition by Pictures on Walls in 2011.
Same dimensions and same edition numbers.
*Note: This is a premium REPLICA print using the highest quality materials based on the original.
ABOUT THE ART
'Heavy Weaponry' depicts a singular elephant made in Banksy’s recognizable stencil style with a rocket strapped to its back. The image of the elephant bearing a rocket on its back carries various interpretations; presumably the general message is anti-military, in line with Banksy’s other works using similar imagery.
This version of 'Heavy Weaponry' (image #3) is filled with a variety of symbols and motifs that have recurred throughout the Bristol-born artist’s practice: an oversize barcode, his signature elephant backpacking a missile, and the names of the cities where the artist painted the most murals. The painting feels charged with a veiled anti-war sentiment, mocking the commoditization of military engagement.
Obviously, Banksy‘s own heavy weaponry remains his stencil and the art of the image, and 'London, New York, Bristol (Heavy Weaponry)' reads as much a declaration of intent for artistic intervention in these locations as a critique of militant malpractice.
“As soon as I cut my first stencil I could feel the power there. I like the political edge. All graffiti is low-level dissent, but stencils have an extra history. They’ve been used to start revolutions and to stop wars.” - Banksy