NOLA (also known as Umbrella Girl) is one of Banksy’s most desirable and iconic works, existing as a street art piece, work on canvas and in limited edition print formats. Created as a series of 14 street art works in 2008 in the Marigny district of New Orleans as a critical thrust towards the Bush administration’s response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, this orange edition of NOLA beautifully blends poignant imagery with cutting wit.

It is reported that the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina took more than 1800 lives and cost over 42 billion USD. However, the reality and after effects of Hurricane Katrina paint a far bleaker picture. The loss of historic areas, the devastation of communities and a damning indictment of race and government in 21st century America.

NOLA shows a young girl (representing innocence and powerlessness) who is attempting to shield herself from a storm and rainfall. However, the rain itself is not coming from the outside but is emanating from the very umbrella that she needs for her protection. Reaching out from underneath the umbrella and realising the rain is on the inside, she shows a confused and shocked expression.

NOLA was released as a limited edition series of prints in 2008 by Pictures on Walls in a series of different colourways. The artist also produced a smaller run of NOLAs with neon yellow rain and neon orange rain to sell directly to collectors. Finally, a set of extremely limited NOLA AP (Artist Proof) print runs with 6 different multi-hued rain colorways were released directly to VIP collectors.