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Julia Penrose
Professor Guile
English 1010
3/21/15

Revised: Visual Analysis Essay

My focus was on the piece of art Cancelled (as most refer to it, however it doesnt have a set
specific name) by the famous graffiti artist, Banksy. It first appeared in a low-income Boston
town in 2010. At first glance it appears that its a depiction of a depressed man who didnt get to
follow his dreams. After further analysis, Cancelled is apparently about the harsh reality of the
American Dream, a term referring ones goal of creating a worthy social, personal, and
financial status in America. Banksy creates this harsh connotation in his piece by use of a
somber tone, the color red, and personification. Banksy has many graffiti pieces throughout the
world, most of them dealing on social injustices, and Cancelled being one of the most relatable
due to the constant discussion of the American Dream in todays society.
This piece gives off a dismal tone, the two prominent colors used are grey and black. Red is also
used but that the important purpose of that will be discussed later. The use of grey is used to
strike a gloomy feeling for the audience, and that audience being anyone who cares about the
reality of many Americans, especially foreigners who get a skewed reality of what the
American Dream actually is. Follow Your Dreams was painted gray, and a bit disorderly,
why it was painted that way was because it portrayed the loose, insincere meaning it often
entails. The man shown in the piece is also colored gray, and black, with an aged face, and
disappointed expression. The fact that it was painted in a poor, and mainly immigrant town,

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where the ideal lifestyle is often unattained shows Banksy mustve done his research on the
town, and known the struggle that was often being felt by those citizens.
Although the color scheme is simply muted greys and blacks, Banksy used a bright red stencil to
paint the words CANCELLED. Red is the most intense color, often meaning, power, anger,
passion, and authority. Red was likely used to represent a higher, dominant power, like the
government. People are often told to follow their dreams and then told that it wont work out
or that they need to think realistically in this society, to get the right kind of degree or they wont
go far in life. Children are the ones often told to follow their dreams and that the skys the limit
only to find out the rude awakening of reality as they get older. The red also represents how often
people are put in their place, and give up on their dreams in order to satisfy others, or to be
financially stable for their future family. It seems apparent that this piece speaks more towards
foreigners who have increased setbacks in finding success in America due to cultural differences,
language, as well as the concept of xenophobia as well.
The most important focal point of this piece is the heartbroken, aged painter. It is thought that
this painting parallels The Great Depression, and how a great deal of people struggled to get by,
and their reality was shook up when they couldnt get the jobs or careers they desired especially
since the crash of the stock market. Banksy is, in all probability stating that the struggle in the
Great Depression is still apparent in America today, in some parts more than others. The painter
portrayed may be a heart-broken man who dreamed of becoming an artist but his dream was shot
down and he had to take a job he didnt desire, a white-wall painter by chance? He is what
strikes sympathy and even empathy in the audience who might see themselves as him,
disappointed of where they are in life.

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Banksy has a very unique talent in telling a story, striking a profound feeling in those who come
across his art. He often uses setting to create a bigger impact in his pieces, like choosing specific
cities or areas around the world, and painting something that is socially relevant to that area.
Cancelled is one of his most notable pieces, and has continually up for debate, and his still and
always will be relevant due to the never-ending stigma of the American Dream.

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Citations
Image:
"cancelled" by Banksy. 2010. Boston. By Geoff Edgars.
Resources:
http://www.stencilrevolution.com/banksy-art-prints/follow-your-dreams/
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2010/05/15/mystery_artist_
strikes_in_hub/
http://www.biography.com/people/banksy-20883111