Red Balloon Girl by Banksy

The most famous of Bansky’s girl with a balloon was found stenciled on a stairway wall in London in 2002. In this drawing, a little girl reaches for a red heart-shaped balloon that is flying away from her. Written on the stairs behind her are the words “There is always hope.” This is one of Bansky’s most popular works and has appeared on prints and tattoos throughout the world. The original image contrasts the concrete on which the art is printed with the grass growing from the base of the stairs. Some speculate on whether the meaning of the work is love lost, or whether it represents the presence of hope amid bleak surroundings.