Image Analysis: Banksy Image

The image I chose to analyze is a Banksy image that has a big white dove in the center of the mural. The dove is wearing a bullet proof vest and is carrying a piece of a plant, possibly an olive branch. On the center of the doves chest is a red target outline, kind of like a sniper target. The whiteness of the dove compared to the dark background really makes the image stand out, and the red of the target which is the only vibrant color in the whole image, stands out as well. The image does not have any words to guide the viewer into thinking a certain way which is helpful because it allows whoever is looking at the image to come up with their own opinions about what the image is trying to portray, and what the creator wants the viewer to get from the image.

I think that this image is trying to make the statement that peace is being “targeted” in our society. The dove in the image I assume represents peace and since the dove is wearing a bullet proof vest, peace is obviously not safe and needs to be protected. With the target on the dove, I believe this represents war and conflict; that many people wish to metaphorically shoot down the bird of peace for their own personal gain.

I believe that the audience that this image is directed to is society in general since it seems to be increasingly more preoccupied with war. I think Banksy, who usually makes images that represent political or social issues, is targeting either people that support war, or people that just sit and watch while conflict occurs. I think the purpose behind this image is to raise awareness of war and to inspire the viewers to keep peace alive, instead of letting it get shot down.

This image would be very effective if it was placed outside of an armed forces recruiting office, or outside of an armory or weapons building. Since these locations are areas where trigger happy and war hungry people would most likely be found; it would be an excellent place to put an image to really make a statement. In one of these locations it would be uncommon to see an image that supports peace instead of war and it could cause controversy as well. The more controversy behind something the more attention it gets, so it would be great to put this mural in a place a little controversial so it would really get the attention it deserves.

Overall, I believe this image is effective in persuading the viewer to think a certain way because it targets ethical and moral beliefs. The viewer would want to support this image because morally it would be right to support a peace movement opposed to one of conflict and war. Also this hits the emotional appeal as well because seeing a cute, happy, and peaceful bird being targeted would cause any heartfelt individual to feel a little sympathy for something so innocent.