The artwork titled “It’s Not A Race” was created by the artist Banksy in 2008. This piece belongs to the street art movement and falls under the genre of graffiti. The message conveyed in bold red letters on a plain grey wall challenges societal perceptions of competition and haste.
The artwork features a grey concrete wall with the phrase “IT’S NOT A RACE” prominently displayed in bright red, dripping letters. To the right of this phrase, a black and white stencil of a rat is depicted. The rat appears to be holding a paintbrush, as if it has just finished painting the message. The composition is simple yet impactful, with the stark contrast between the red text and the neutral background drawing the viewer’s attention to the statement. The inclusion of the rat, a recurring motif in Banksy’s work, adds an element of continuity within his portfolio while also symbolizing resilience and wit. The surrounding urban environment, with its glimpse of overpasses and surrounding infrastructure, contextualizes the piece within the bustling, competitive atmosphere of modern city life.
