If the statue is a new Banksy, it is in keeping with the elusive artist's politically-charged works. Speculation continues, as Banksy has not yet claimed authorship...
A new statue appeared in central London yesterday, depicting a man walking off the end of a plinth. The figure is holding a flag pole, with the fabric covering his face.
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The installation appeared overnight in Waterloo Place, about 450 meters from Downing Street. It stands near to statues of Edward VII and the Crimean War Memorial.
Many have assumed that this is the latest work from elusive street artist Banksy – a suspicion fuelled by the fact his signature appears to have been scrawled at the bottom of the statue.
However, Banksy typically claims his authorship by posting on his Instagram page, and as of publishing, there are no new posts. There’s also the fact that none of his recent London murals have been signed...
Speculation continues...
If this is a new Banksy, the statue is in keeping with the artist’s previous works, as the anonymous Bristolian often makes political statements with his works.
The suited person could be considered a politician (considering the statue's proximity to Downing Street), who is blinded by a flag (ie: misplaced “patriotism”) and walking off the cliff edge... A pretty accurate description of the current state of play.
Banksy has recently hit headlines following a report published earlier this year by Reuters, which claims to reveal the artist’s identity.
The report's “beyond dispute” evidence is based on a trip the artist made to Ukraine in 2022, photographs posted by former associates, and a handwritten confession note from an arrest in New York in 2000.
According to the report, Banksy is in fact Robin Gunningham, 51, from Bristol - although the investigation states he changed his name to the more common name David Jones some years ago, in order to avoid identification.
Read more about Banksy’s “true” identity here.
Banksy has always chosen to keep his / her / their identity unknown, a way of continue to work without the constraints of fame. It's an anonymity which also served as a means of protection from police prosecution.
