Banksy is my favourite street artist because of his unique way of addressing everyday life and conflicts. When I was working for a very well-known auction house, I had the opportunity to see some of his work, especially 'Girl with Balloon,' which was shredded at the auction and renamed to 'Love is in the Bin.' This incident, where the artwork self-destructed after being sold, was a bold and intriguing statement by Banksy. It was a direct challenge to the commercialization of art, a practice that often places more value on the price tag than the artistic message and the value we place on it. This incident not only made headlines but also sparked a global conversation about the true value of art and the role of the art market in determining it. The shredded 'Girl with Balloon' became a new piece of art, 'Love is in the Bin,' which further emphasized Banksy's critique of the art market's focus on monetary value over artistic expression.

So, who is Banksy? Banksy is the pseudonym of an artist based in England, but his influence transcends borders. Since the 1990s, his satirical street art has sparked crucial conversations globally, combining dark humour with graffiti using a distinctive technique. His works, which offer political and social commentary, can be found on streets, walls, and bridges all over the world, sparking conversations and enlightening society. His artistic journey began in the Bristol underground scene, which involved collaborations between artists and musicians. Banksy's early life and influences, including his time in the Bristol underground scene and his admiration for 3D, a graffiti artist and founding member of the music group Massive Attack, have significantly shaped his art and his unique approach to street art.

His art appears on publicly visible surfaces, like walls and self-built physical prop pieces. He no longer sells photographs or reproductions of his street graffiti, but his public 'installations' are regularly resold, often by removing the wall on which they were painted. Most of his work can be considered temporary art, a concept unique to Banksy's work. This means that his art is not meant to last forever, and its temporary nature often adds to its value and significance. The concept of 'temporary art' in Banksy's work challenges the traditional notion of art as a permanent and enduring form and instead emphasizes the transient and fleeting nature of his pieces, which often reflect the ephemeral nature of the social and political issues they address.

The name and identity of Banksy remain a mystery, adding to the intrigue and fascination surrounding his work. In 2003, the legend describes him as a white man, 28 years old, wearing scruffy casual jeans, a T-shirt, a silver tooth, a silver chain, and a silver earring. This mystery adds another layer of interest to his already captivating art.

The most well-known Banksy painting is the above-mentioned Girl with Balloon. This graffiti is one of his stencil murals that can be found all around London. The series began in 2002. This work includes street murals in Shoreditch and South Bank in London, specifically on the Waterloo Bridge.

The 2004 version of the mural was displayed at a shop in Shoreditch, East London. It was sold in 2007 for £37,200 at a well-known auction house. In 2014, The Sincura Group removed it, and it was later sold for £500,000 on September 19, 2015. This journey of 'Girl with Balloon' not only adds to the allure of Banksy's work but also connects the audience to the art world's dynamics. However, the removal and sale of Banksy's works have sparked controversy, with some arguing that it goes against the spirit of street art, which is often meant to be ephemeral and not for sale.

Have you ever contemplated the true meaning of this artwork? There are numerous interpretations of this piece. Some believe it signifies freedom or new hope, while others think it represents childhood delight and the loss of innocence. I love to believe that this graffiti has a good and nice meaning, but from my perspective, it has a very mixed meaning. To me, it signifies the last hope, the tragic loss of your love, and also a new start, a new life. I hope Banksy intended for it to have a more cheerful meaning.