Rats by Banksy
Rats by Banksy
Drawing inspiration from French graffiti artist Blek le Rat, Banksy began his career stenciling rats across the streets of England, combined with phrases such as “Our Time Will Come”. Banksy’s rats have been interpreted as a symbol for the regenerative nature of street art. An anagram of the word ‘art’, the ‘rat’ along with the monkey is an allegorical tool used by Banksy in his criticism of the human race and society. His animals are often given human characteristics and are placed in unusual or comical situations.
“If you feel dirty, insignificant or unloved, then rats are a good role model. They exist without permission, they have no respect for the hierarchy of society, and they have sex 50 times a day.” – Banksy
The rat is also a symbol of Banksy himself, often being chased and hunted down by the authorities, and they also tend to appear at nighttime. In his book “Wall and Piece” from 2005, Banksy claims that rats “exist without permission. They are hated, hunted and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation amongst the filth. And yet they are capable of bringing entire civilizations to their knees. If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model.”
Artwork

Gangsta Rat (Grey) by Banksy
Gangsta Rat (Grey) by Banksy

Gangsta Rat (Blue) by Banksy
Gangsta Rat (Blue) by Banksy

Gangsta Rat (Green) by Banksy
Gangsta Rat (Green) by Banksy

Gangsta Rat (Orange) by Banksy
Gangsta Rat (Orange) by Banksy

Get Out While You Can (Pink) by Banksy
Get Out While You Can (Pink) by Banksy

Welcome to Hell (Red) by Banksy
Welcome to Hell (Red) by Banksy

Gangsta Rat (Pink) by Banksy
Gangsta Rat (Pink) by Banksy

Love Rat by Banksy
Love Rat by Banksy

Welcome to Hell (Pink) by Banksy
Welcome to Hell (Pink) by Banksy

Gangsta Rat (Mint Green) by Banksy
Gangsta Rat (Mint Green) by Banksy

Gangsta Rat by Banksy
Gangsta Rat by Banksy

Get Out While You Can By Banksy
Get Out While You Can By Banksy

Radar Rats by Banksy
Radar Rats by Banksy
