The anonymous street artist Bambi is best known for her gritty graffiti works that comment on socio-political injustice, and focus on the struggles of living as a woman in a patriarchal culture.
Bambi uses her unique position as an anonymous female artist to spread awareness of societal issues through often-controversial imagery. Initially hailed as ‘The female Banksy’, Bambi has since forged her own identity within the graffiti art scene and has found worldwide acclaim with her politically charged and witty commentary. She often creates stencils of topical contemporary figures and relates them to popular culture.
We sat down with the artist to discuss her newest collection 'Weapon of Voice'.
Bambi: The Weapon of Voice project started out as street art. Like a lot of my work, it’s about empowering the female voice, apt at a time where women in the public eye are so often bullied, dehumanised and threatened for being successful. In the original street piece in London, I put the names of 22 different women who have used their strong and powerful voices to contribute to, enhance and improve society. Weapon of Voice brings different female voices together and amplifies them. In doing so, I hope other women will feel empowered to use their voices.
Bambi: Definitely. It’s an ongoing work of art. Street art is a democratised way to share my work and ideas but I wanted Weapon of Voice to become a bigger celebration of female success that could inspire others. I wanted people to be able to own a part of the series so these are editions at accessible prices.
Bambi: It’s difficult to say but Emily Davidson is a real hero of mine. She was a woman of almost unimaginable courage who repeatedly ran the gravest personal risks in pursuit of the campaign for women’s votes.
Bambi: Both Beyonce and Billie Eilish are so successful, as their recent Grammy wins attest to, and are true modern icons. Billie is very outspoken about expectations placed on women’s bodies, and particularly by the music industry. She’s also conscious that other women - like Taylor Swift - have helped pave the way for her career. And Beyonce is a role model and record breaker in every respect.
