This grey, signed edition of NOLA (also known as Umbrella Girl) is one of Banksy’s most desirable and iconic works, acting as a critical thrust towards the Bush administration’s response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, NOLA beautifully blends poignant imagery with cutting wit.The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina stands as a stark reminder of its devastating impact, claiming over 1800 lives and causing economic losses exceeding 42 billion USD. However, the true aftermath paints an even grimmer picture: historic areas lost, communities ravaged, and a scathing commentary on race and governance in 21st-century America.
In Banksy's NOLA, these themes resonate poignantly. The artwork portrays a young girl, symbolising innocence and vulnerability, struggling to shield herself from a storm under an umbrella. Yet, instead of protection, the rain falls not from the sky but from within the umbrella itself. Her expression reveals a mix of confusion and shock as she realises the source of the rain, a poignant metaphor for the internal strife and challenges faced by the community in the wake of such a catastrophic event.