It is undeniable that Bristol-born street artist Banksy has achieved legendary status as a global art world phenomenon far preceding his anonymous identity. From his oeuvre, CND Soldiers ranks amongst his most iconic images, featuring the striking depiction of two stencil-sprayed soldiers crouched on the ground, warily surveying the space around them. Situated above in dripping crimson red is a bold peace sign shape, which provides a satirical juxtaposition to the gunmen and allusions to violence beneath. This is made all the more powerful when it is recognised that the figure on the right actually holds a paintbrush in place of a weapon, insinuating that it is he who has marked this bold symbol of peace. 

 

CND Soldiers is widely considered as Banksy’s most notorious anti-war work, distinctively showcasing the artist’s dark humour and anti-establishment wit. The image first cropped up directly across from the Houses of Parliament in London in 2003, only later to be removed by authorities. It appeared in participation with British peace campaigner Brian Haw’s long-standing protest against the United Kingdom’s involvement in Iraq – a campaign of remarkable determination supported by millions.

 

Alluding to the present work’s title, a vibrant red symbol contrasts the monochromatic background and figures. Initially designed as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), it has since become the international symbol for peace. In CND Soldiers, Banksy’s inclusion of the sign in dripping red overtly evokes the bloodshed of war, drawing a direct link to the officers beneath. But whilst one of the army men is on the lookout, rifle defensibly poised at the ready, the other dons a suspicious look on his face and holds a paintbrush in hand. In presenting the soldiers as activists and vandals graffitiing the wall in protest, Banksy introduces an ironic juxtaposition to question the role played by governments in their peacekeeping missions. Indeed, as one of his best-known images, CND Soldiers is a striking example of Banksy’s ability to deliver powerful messages of social importance and hope that are universally understood.

 

“All graffiti is low-level dissent, but stencils have an extra history. They've been used to start revolutions and to stop wars.” —— Banksy

As a seemingly unstoppable cultural force, works by Banksy can be found in prestigious public collections including the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and his graffiti, performances, and covert incursions have garnered him a devoted global following – including more than 10 million followers who watch his every move on Instagram. Celebrated across the world for his unique aesthetic, Banksy is now placed at the forefront of an artistic movement that has inspired generations to come as he continues to redefine to many what ‘art’ is.