Art Story

Love Rat, the first print in Banksy's Rat Pack series, is rendered in the artist's signature monochromatic stencil style. The rat, depicted holding a large paintbrush, appears to have just finished outlining a bright red heart on a wall, providing the sole touch of color in the piece. At first glance, this drawing seems to convey a message of love. However, the blood-red paint dripping from the heart suggests a deeper meaning, implying that love, much like the heart itself, is capable of both causing pain and suffering as well as joy and pleasure... In fact, Banksy promoted this print as an ideal gift for a "cheating spouse", adding a layer of irony to its seemingly romantic gesture.