Flower Thrower, also known as Love is in the Air, is one of Banksy’s most iconic works. The image depicts a masked protester in the act of throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail. The subject has often been interpreted as a symbol of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This theme has long been close to the Bristol artist, who has sought over time to draw Western attention to the difficult conditions faced by Palestinians.
The most famous version of the mural appeared in 2003, painted on a garage in East Jerusalem. Years later, in 2017, a framed variant was displayed on the walls of the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, an artistic and political project conceived by Banksy himself. At first glance, the figure might seem like a Palestinian rebel. Yet on closer inspection, it appears it could actually be a young Western individual, perhaps from an affluent background, participating in a violent protest.
The contrast between the aggressive gesture and the delicate flowers—symbols of peace—breaks visual coherence and delivers a clear message: violence must be replaced with acts of reconciliation. Banksy seems to suggest that a path toward coexistence could be possible, if only the approach were changed—a subtle invitation, perhaps, to Israelis: throw flowers, not bombs.
Despite the escalating conflict and the controversial political decisions of Prime Minister Netanyahu, the work continues to offer an alternative vision. A simple gesture that, in its symbolic power, continues to speak.
