Banksy's NOLA Umbrella Girl: Meaning, Editions, and Market Context
Banksy's 2008 street work 'NOLA' (also known as 'Umbrella Girl' or 'Rain Girl') in New Orleans depicts a child whose umbrella rains from within, symbolizing failed protection after Hurricane Katrina. The image was later released as a screenprint by Pictures on Walls in 2008, with editions including White Rain (289), Grey Rain (63), Orange Rain (32), Green/Yellow Rain (31), and 66 artist's proofs in transitional colorways like Green to Blue Rain. A 'Yellow Rain' outside edition sold at Christie's for £375,000 in April 2021, the highest auction price for a NOLA print. A Green to Blue Rain AP achieved £218,750 at Christie's London in July 2021. GraffitiStreet exhibited a Green to Blue Rain AP at its Chichester gallery during 'Banksy Editions: Volume I', framed by Common Room Projects. Co-founder Donna Haden noted the work's emotional charge of protection turned into vulnerability. The piece remains a key work in Banksy's print market, valued for its historical context, rarity, and layered meaning.
Key facts
- Banksy created NOLA in New Orleans in 2008, three years after Hurricane Katrina.
- The image shows a child whose umbrella rains from inside, symbolizing failed protection.
- Pictures on Walls published the screenprint in 2008.
- White Rain edition: 289 prints.
- Grey Rain edition: 63 prints (oversold compensation).
- Orange Rain edition: 32 prints.
- Green/Yellow Rain edition: 31 prints.
- 66 artist's proofs exist in transitional colorways including Green to Blue Rain.
- NOLA (Yellow Rain) outside edition sold at Christie's for £375,000 in April 2021.
- NOLA AP (Green to Blue Rain) sold at Christie's London for £218,750 in July 2021.
- GraffitiStreet exhibited a Green to Blue Rain AP at its Chichester gallery.
- The AP was framed by Common Room Projects, founded by Matt Jones.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
- Donna Haden
- Rosh Boroumand
- Matt Jones
Institutions
- Pictures on Walls
- GraffitiStreet
- Christie's
- Pest Control
- Common Room Projects
- GraffitiStreet Gallery
Locations
- New Orleans
- Louisiana
- Chichester
- England
- United Kingdom
- Faubourg Marigny
- Mid-City
- Tremé
- Lower 9th Ward