Game Changer
By Banksy, 2020
This stenciled artwork shows a young boy kneeling beside a basket of action figures and toy superheroes, but instead of playing with them, he's holding up a nurse doll wearing a cape and face mask. Created by the elusive street artist Banksy during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this piece was made as a tribute to healthcare workers and originally hung in Southampton General Hospital in the UK. The artist left a note saying he hoped it would brighten the place up, even if it was only in black and white.
The image captures a simple but powerful shift in perspective about who our real heroes are. While superhero toys sit forgotten in the basket, the child has chosen to celebrate the everyday courage of medical workers instead. Banksy later sold the work at auction for over 16 million pounds, with proceeds going to NHS charities and health organizations. It's a touching example of how street art can respond directly to current events and honor the people who matter most during difficult times.