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Banksy is one of the most famous and enigmatic street artists of our time. His works have become an important part of contemporary art history, and his iconic Flower Thrower, also known as Love is in the Air, is one of his most recognisable pieces.
This powerful image has become a symbol of resistance and hope for people worldwide. In this article, we will explore ten fascinating facts about this iconic artwork, from the mural to its impact on modern culture.
1.
Iconic Mural
In 2003, the renowned artist Banksy painted his iconic artwork “Flower Thrower/Love Is in the Air” on the West Bank Wall, which spans 760km and separates Israel from Palestine. Created as a guerrilla street art piece in Beit Sahour, near the West Bank Barrier, the image’s impact extends far beyond its origins. By combining the contrasting symbols of a Flower Bouquet and an active protest gesture, Banksy conveys a powerful anti-war sentiment. While Banksy painted this mural on the wall, a resident remarked…
“We don’t want it to be beautiful, we hate this wall.
Go home.”
The mural created by Banksy on the West Bank Wall serves a greater purpose. It was designed to raise awareness about the wall and promote peace.
Banksy – Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower) Image copyright GraffitiStreet.com
2.
Symbol of Peace and Love
Banksy’s artwork is known for its political and social commentary, and the Flower Thrower is no exception. The piece challenges the traditional notion of violence and weaponisation and promotes peace and love. The mural portrays a masked man throwing a bouquet in a manner similar to how a Molotov cocktail is thrown, signifying the importance of peace and love over violence. It speaks to the power of nonviolent protest and the need for hope in the midst of conflict. It is widely regarded as one of Banksy’s most emblematic works and continues to inspire many to strive for peace, making it a powerful symbol of hope.
Banksy Walled Off Hotel Wall Section Love Is In The Air – Flower Thrower (2018) Image ©GraffitiStreet
Find out more about this artwork here
3.
Wall and Piece
A play on “War and Peace,” the image “Flower Thrower” was featured on the cover of Banksy’s 2005 book, “Wall and Piece.” The book, a compilation of his work up to that point, helped establish his reputation as a leading street artist.
Wall and Piece Book by Banksy
4.
Walled Off Hotel
In 2017, Banksy launched the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, showcasing a triptych of his renowned ‘Love is in the Air / Flower Thrower’ inside the Piano bar. The artwork is split into three and encased in a gold frame. Moreover, the piece is adorned with genuine dried flowers originating from a vase resting on the table.
The Walled Off Hotel, Bethlehem, West Bank. Image Copyright Banksy
5.
Sir Elton John
To inaugurate the debut of the colonialism-themed piano bar at “The Walled Off Hotel“ in 2017, Sir Elton John was invited by Banksy to perform remotely on the opening night. The Flower Thrower Triptych artwork consists of three canvases of different sizes with painted flowers and was acquired by Sir Elton John directly from Banksy in 2017. It was sold in an auction titled “The Collection of Sir Elton John” at Christie’s Auction House in New York in 2024 for $1,925,500, making it the most valuable item in the auction, cementing Banksy’s place as one of the most valuable and influential street artists in the world.
Banksy’s “Flower Thrower Triptych.” Image copyright Christies Auction NYC
6.
Prints and Canvases
‘Flower Thrower / Love Is In The Air’ by Banksy has been rendered in various forms, such as original paintings on canvas, cardboard and wooden pallets, a triptych spanning three frames, and signed and unsigned limited-edition prints. While most of these variations depict the flower thrower facing right, certain versions also portray him facing left.
Banksy’s “Love is in the Air” 2003 has 500 unsigned and 150 signed screenprints, each measuring 50cm by 70cm.
Find more about this artwork here
7.
Trade Mark Law
In 2014, Banksy’s representatives, Pest Control Office, secured an EU trademark registration for the “Flower Thrower.” However, after a two-year-long dispute, the registration was overturned by The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
‘A greeting card company is contesting the trademark I hold to my art and is attempting to take custody of my name, so they can sell their fake Banksy merchandise legally.
Banksy
This was quite a turnaround for Banksy, who was once critical of intellectual property rights. Fast forward to September 2020, when Banksy lost the EU trademark registration for his artwork, ‘Flower Thrower,’ after Full Colour Black, a UK-based greeting card company, brought a cancellation action. Banksy attempted to fight the case in the autumn of 2019 by opening a gift store named Gross Domestic Product in Croydon. Unfortunately, this move was seen as bad faith in the ‘Flower Thrower’ case.
Banksy, Gross domestic product Store, Croydon. Image © Banksy
8.
VIP ‘GDP Flower Thrower (Grey)‘
Banksy’s homewares store called “Gross Domestic Product ™” in Croydon, London, featured a unique selection of items designed by Banksy in response to the greeting card company attempting to take legal custody of the artist’s name. Banksy’s store offered homewares and lifestyle products, including mugs, doormats, and rugs, all with Banksy’s signature style. Banksy’s Flower Thrower triptych VIP edition was part of this exhibition in grey.
During Banksy’s “Gross Domestic Product,” the elusive artist released a VIP “GDP Flower Thrower (Grey)” as a 300-edition Signed Screen print on a 1500-micron board. The VIP triptych piece is framed to the same artist’s spec displayed at Banksy’s “Gross Domestic Product” show, with or without glass.
Banksy, GDP Flower Thrower Triptych, Gross domestic product Store, Croydon. Image © Banksy
Find out more about the artwork here
9.
GDP Flower Only
At the Banksy Gross Domestic Product exhibition, a few ‘GDP Flower Thrower’ pieces depicting only the bouquet were randomly given to children under 16 years of age.
Find out more about the artwork here
10.
First Physical Artwork Bought with Crypto at Auction
On May 13, 2021, Love is in the Air (2005) was auctioned as part of the Contemporary Art Evening Auction at Sotheby’s New York. The sale of Love is in the Air (2005) was unique because it was the first time a physical artwork was auctioned with the option to pay in Bitcoin, ether, or US dollars. Despite being estimated to be worth US$ 3-5 million, the canvas fetched a much higher price OF US$12,903,000. Interestingly, it was later revealed that the payment for the painting was made in cryptocurrency.
Banksy, Love is in the Air, Auction Result. Image © Sotheby’s Auction House.
Please view our online store for Banksy artworks, including the VIP Framed GDP Flower Thrower (Grey) and GDP Flower. Both pieces are currently in stock and ready for worldwide delivery.
