(London) A new mural by Banksy attracted crowds to a London street on Monday, even before the elusive artist confirmed that the work was indeed his.
The artwork covers the wall of a four-storey building in the Finsbury Park area. We see a small character holding a pressure hose next to a real tree. Green paint was sprayed on the wall, replicating the missing leaves of the tree, which had been significantly pruned.
Banksy claimed ownership of the work by posting “before and after” photos of the location on his official Instagram account.
The new attraction attracted a flood of curious people, who took photos and selfies. Many saw an environmental message in the vibrant green artwork, which appeared on Sunday – St. Patrick’s Day.
PHOTO ALASTAIR GRANT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Finsbury Park neighborhood artwork covers the wall of a four-storey building and shows a small figure holding a pressure hose next to a real tree. Green paint was sprayed on the wall, replicating the missing leaves of the tree, which had been significantly cut back.
Former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who represents the region in Parliament, argued that the work “makes people stop and think: ‘Wait. We live in one world. We live in one environment. It is vulnerable and on the verge of serious damage being done to it.” »
“Environmental policy concerns densely populated urban areas like this, just as much as it does farmland, forests and hedgerows,” he added.
Banksy, who has never confirmed his full identity, began his career painting his works on buildings in Bristol, England, and became one of the best-known artists in the world.
His playful and often satirical works have included, for example, two police officers kissing, armed riot police with “smiley-man” faces, and a chimpanzee with a sign reading: “Laugh now, but one day I I will be in charge.”
Banksy’s works have sold for millions of dollars at auction. Murals located at outdoor sites have often been stolen and some have even been removed by building owners shortly after their installation.
Last December, after Banksy stenciled military drones on a stop sign in south London, a man was photographed taking down the sign. Police then arrested two men on suspicion of theft and damage.
This latter work would, however, be more difficult to “dismantle” since the impact of the mural depends on the neighboring tree.
Alex Georgiou, whose company owns the building, was struck by the fact that crowds came to observe the building. “I really intend to keep (the mural) there and let people enjoy it,” he assured. Everyone loves it, which is great. »
Geoff Gardner, who stopped for a while on his way to work Monday morning, said: “It’s good to see it before it gets vandalized.”
“I guess if someone came and sprayed red paint on it, you could also call that art.” »