(London) A new Banksy mural drew crowds to a London street on Monday, even before the elusive artist confirmed that the work was his.
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.
Banksy claimed ownership of the work by posting before and after photos of the location on his official Instagram account.
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.
The new attraction attracted a stream of spectators who took photos and selfies. Many discerned an environmental message in the vibrant green artwork, which appeared on Sunday – St. Patrick’s Day.
Banksy, who has never confirmed his full identity, began his career painting buildings in Bristol, England, and became one of the best-known artists in the world.
Banksy’s works have sold for millions of dollars at auction, and past murals located at outdoor sites have often been stolen and some even removed by building owners shortly after they were installed.
The latter work would be more difficult to dismantle since the piece depends on the tree for its impact.