Rats are iconic symbols in Banksy’s art, representing society's actions, hopes, and trends. These creatures embody his powerful messages, whether through their ability to occupy any space, their swift and elusive movements, or their prolific reproduction.

‘Gangsta Rats’ was created as a graffiti piece by the POW* collective and gained global popularity in the  USA, in particular,  where the Gangsta Rap cultural movement emerged. 

In 2004, the first edition of the ‘Gangsta Rat’ screen print was released with 150 signed prints and 350 unsigned prints, all in vibrant red. In 2015, Banksy re-released rare colour variations exclusively for special VIP collectors at Dismaland in Weston-super-Mare. These limited editions included 46 pink, eight mint green, 20 green, 61 orange, 61 blue, and 61 grey prints.

*Pictures on Walls (POW) was established in 2003, partially by Banksy, offering a platform for artists to sell their original prints directly without paying commissions to dealers. It played a pivotal role in supporting numerous street artists, helping them earn a living through high-quality art prints.