Napalm is arguably one of Banksy's most moving prints - a work that solidified (and still solidifies) his reputation as a leading voice in the contemporary political art scene. The piece delivers an unflinching critique of the military-industrial system, exposing the deep entanglement between warfare and capitalism - a central theme that runs throughout Banksy's entire body of work.
Beyond its immediate political commentary, Napalm also alludes to the broader, often catastrophic consequences of colonialism and occupation. At its core, it is a reimagining of the Pulitzer Prize-winning image of 9-year-old Kim Phúc, fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War, naked and screaming in terror.
In Banksy's version, the traumatized child is flanked by two symbols of American consumer culture - Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald, their cheerful faces forming a grotesque contrast to her pain. This disturbing juxtaposition becomes a powerful metaphor for the commodification of war and trauma in general.
The piece is also known by the ironic title "Can't Beat That Feeling" - a direct reference to Coca-Cola's famous advertising slogan. By appropriating such a familiar phrase, Banksy deepens his critique of consumerism, highlighting how the excesses of capitalism shape society, especially how kids are caught up in its impact.