"Welcome to Hell" is a screen print from Banksy's "Placard Rats" series, featuring one of his iconic rats holding a placard that reads "Welcome to Hell." Originally released in 2004, the series includes three designs, each available in signed editions of 75 and unsigned editions of 175/
The series depicts defiant rats with protest signs bearing messages such as "Welcome to Hell," "Get out while you can," and "Because I’m Worthless." "Welcome to Hell" is executed in Banksy's signature black-and-white stencil style, featuring a rat with a placard displaying the message in pink or red, the only color in the print. The rat, adorned with a necklace bearing a peace sign, appears to be protesting. But against whom? Could it be the ruling classes? Is the "hell" reference suggesting that the underclasses, symbolized by the rat, are living in deplorable conditions and on the brink of revolution?
Banksy's wit and social commentary shine through this seemingly simple image, prompting viewers to question whether we are living in a hell of our own making.