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Banksy’s artwork has yet again appeared in London.
The anonymous street artist took credit on social media for a larger-than-life statue of a suited man walking off a plinth with a flag covering his face.
A video posted on Instagram Thursday shows the overnight installation, and the piece now appearing among British war monuments at Waterloo Place, St. James’s.
The statue first drew onlookers on Wednesday due to its size and unexpected appearance.
Much of Banksy’s work features high-contrast stencil and paint, seen in cities around the world. Often steeped in political messages, many of his works have been debated, removed, covered or defaced.
Works such as Girl with Balloon, 2002, of a young girl reaching for a heart shaped balloon, or Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower), 2003, featuring a masked protester throwing a bouquet of flowers, explore larger topics of peace, love, war and resistance.
Message against patriotism
Philadelphia-based artist and writer RJ Rushmore says the piece comments on the limits of patriotism.
Rushmore calls the piece “gutsy,” drawing a connection to Banksy’s prior work. A 2003 piece called People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don’t Deserve to Have One, for example, features stenciled text on an inverted St. George’s cross, alluding to the dangers of extreme nationalism.
“It’s interesting. It’s well executed and there’s only a few people who would drop a statue in the middle of central London in the middle of the night,” he said.
Street artist Banksy’s latest work has made its debut in central London, with locals first catching sight of the statue in Westminster. Banksy, whose real identity is unknown, posted a video of the installation to their Instagram page as well as leaving a signature at the foot of the statue.
Rushmore said the placement of the statue among military monuments is likely intentional.
He noted the challenge and “gamesmanship” it takes to install something so large in a highly policed area.
Ollie Isaac, a 23-year-old student who came to see the statue in person, said Banksy’s work is both powerful and accessible.
“If more artists can do that and get the message across, there can be positive change and we can start leading the world with hope rather than with hate and fear,” he said.
