Rats are one of Banksy’s most prolific subjects, and Love Rat is a truly special Banksy artwork. The screen print first appeared in 2004 with a limited edition of 150 signed and 600 unsigned pieces. Banksy first created Love Rat as a street art piece in Liverpool. Banksy has reproduced variations of Love Rat as graffiti art in the streets and on canvas, and urban art lovers all over the world have imprinted the image on coffee mugs, t-shirts, posters, and their bodies.
Rats are iconic in Banksy street art prints because they are emblematic of street art itself. Banksy wrote this about rats in his 2005 book Wall and Piece: “If you are dirty, insignificant and unloved then rats are the ultimate role model.” Banksy rats reference the so-called father of stencil graffiti,” Blek Le Rat. This French stencil artist, who made his name in the 1980s, was similarly fond of rats as subjects because of their massive, if negatively perceived, impact on populations.
Banksy’s Love Rat is shown holding a large paint brush in his hands. He has just finished painting the outline of a bright red heart on an invisible wall. The symbolism of Love Ratt is that street art — no matter how insignificant it seems at first glance — is worthy of love, too, and that these small contributions can make a bright impact on the surrounding community.
If you would like to sell your Banksy art, Love Rat is one of the most desirable limited edition prints of Banksy rats. If you would like to buy Banksy’s Love Rat, it is an excellent edition to any collection. Hexagon Gallery is the leader for Banksy art sales in the United States. To sell or buy Banksy art, please contact info@hexagongallery.com.
