Coming to prominence in the 1990’s as a street artist, British-born Banksy has become a global phenomenon transcending his anonymous identity. Using dark humour and art historical acumen to elevate the proletarian and challenge the elite, he is regarded as one of the most prolific creators of the twenty-first century - tackling every complex issue from globalization, exploitation, police brutality, mass media’s normalization of violence, and consumerist saturation to Brexit, the global refugee crisis and the Israel and Palestine conflict. He is celebrated for pushing the boundaries with his street art interventions, marked by rebellious stunts and bold playfulness. The artist visualizes imperative but challenging discourses in an aesthetic vocabulary that uncovers the disquieting truths of global political landscapes and popular culture. Banksy’s stenciled work have appeared everywhere - from the streets of Gaza and the West Bank wall, Prison buildings to the Sunset Strip, London’s Southbank and the Louvre. He has reinterpreted masterpieces such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Edward Hopper, Claude Monet and Van Gogh in a way that satirically comments on the environment, the capitalist landscape of contemporaneity as well as the art establishment. Most recently he gifted a work to a Southampton hospital to thank the NHS for the help during the on-going pandemic, which sold at auction for a staggering amount of $23,114,000. Being a chronicler of his time and fuelled by arresting humanitarianism, his practice is rooted in his belief that art should be for everyone, and that when dispersed freely around the world has the potential to create small ripples that lead to big waves of change.

"Love is in the Air" by Banksy is a masterpiece that exemplifies the unique and revolutionary nature of Banksy's art. The iconic image depicts a figure dressed in militant attire, poised to throw a Molotov cocktail, but instead, the figure holds a bouquet of flowers, symbolizing a hopeful and peaceful resolution to conflict. The work originated as a large graffiti stencil on the side of a garage in Jerusalem, strategically placed near the West Bank Barrier, highlighting the absurdity of war and power dynamics. The choice of colors in the flowers represents the opportunity to overcome discord and unite, combining the Israeli and Palestinian flags. This artwork has gained recognition as one of Banksy's most sought-after pieces, appearing on the cover of his 2005 monograph. It has been referenced and reproduced globally, establishing itself as an image of timeless significance. "Love is in the Air" resonates with historical works like Picasso's "Guernica" and references the Flower Power Movement, evoking a powerful anti-war sentiment. The inclusion of painted flowers contrasts Banksy's signature stenciled style and references the tradition of still-life floral paintings while subverting their traditional symbolism. Like Warhol's riot imagery, Banksy implicates society in pursuing peace rather than violence, challenging the role of media imagery. The figure in the artwork, disguised with a bandana and baseball cap, can be interpreted as a self-portrait of Banksy, known for his anonymous identity. "Love is in the Air" stands as a radical image that sparks a dialogue about the act of art-making, combining diverse sources and addressing contemporary issues, while calling for positive change and a better future.