Banksy’s Monkey Surfing on a Bomb (2000s) is a striking commentary on war, consumer culture, and the absurdity of power. The monkey, a recurring motif in Banksy’s work, often represents the everyman, forced into chaotic systems beyond their control. By placing the figure astride a bomb, Banksy blends humour with biting critique, a hallmark of his satirical approach to politics and society.
The artwork itself uses a vivid backdrop of bold red sunbeams radiating from the explosion point, evoking wartime propaganda posters. In silhouette, the monkey leans forward in a surfing stance, nonchalantly riding a bomb as if it were a surfboard. The playful posture masks the destructive reality beneath, encapsulating Banksy’s ability to turn dark political messages into visually arresting, deceptively light-hearted imagery.
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Banksy, Monkey Surfing on Bomb, 2000
