Understanding Girl with Balloon: A metaphorical and semiotic analysis of Banksy's Street Work

Regyna Margaretha; Hendri  Hartono; Nur Sitha Afrilia

doi:10.55942/pssj.v5i9.547

Authors

Regyna Margaretha BINUS University https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5465-5715
Hendri Hartono BINUS University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2293-3459
Nur Sitha Afrilia BINUS University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8194-799X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55942/pssj.v5i9.547

Keywords:

Art, Street Art, Banksy, Semiotics, Girl with Balloon, Metaphor

Abstract

Street art has become a powerful medium for conveying social and political messages. Banksy, an anonymous street artist, creates meaningful works, one of which is the Girl with Balloon. This study aims to analyze the metaphorical meaning of the work using a semiotic approach. This approach is based on the theory of signs by Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Sanders Peirce to identify how visual signs in the work form deeper meaning. The analysis shows that the elements in Girl with Balloon convey messages about loss, hope, and the future. The heart-shaped balloon symbolizes love and dreams, while the little girl who reaches for it represents human efforts to achieve hopes that often feel far away. Thus, this work is not just visual art but also a social critique that can arouse emotions and reflections in society.

Author Biographies

Regyna Margaretha, BINUS University

Regyna Margaretha is a lecturer in Visual Communication Design, School of Design, BINUS University, Indonesia.

Hendri Hartono, BINUS University

Hendri Hartono is a lecturer in Visual Communication Design, School of Design, BINUS University, Indonesia.

Nur Sitha Afrilia, BINUS University

Nur Sitha Afrilia is a lecturer in the Industrial Engineering Department, Character Building Development Centre, BINUS University, Indonesia.

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