New Banksy mural confirmed in London
Mysterious graffiti artist Banksy has confirmed that a new artwork in Islington is his doing.
A mural on the side of a white building features verdant greens and a classic stencil that observers have come to expect from the enigmatic artist. Importantly, the green paint on the wall is behind a cut-back cherry tree to make it look like foliage. The stencil is on the bottom left of the piece and is of a person holding a sprayer.
Confirming that the painting was indeed his work, Banksy uploaded before and after pictures of the Finsbury Park mural to his official Instagram account. While the appearance of his artworks in certain areas can sometimes stir controversy, with concerns about potential rent hikes and the cost of upkeep, the broader community has responded positively to his latest effort.
Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn wrote on Twitter: “Banksy has come to Islington! What wonderful artwork, proving there is hope for our natural world everywhere.”
Concentrating more on the environmentalist motivation of the new mural, the former Labour Party leader extended his gratitude when speaking to the PA news agency: “Banksy’s come to Finsbury Park with a bit of greenery in a place that needs a bit more greenery. We’re the most densely populated constituency in the country, and I’m just delighted,” he said.
Echoing this, local residents and Islington councillor Flora Williamson have expressed their pride at having a Banksy piece in their local. Even Alex Georgiou, whose company owns the building on which it was painted, has outlined his wonder that a work by the world-famous artist has popped up on his property, telling the BBC it is “great”.
As for the tree, the local council believes it is 40-50 years old and in declining health due to decay and fungi damage. It has been revealed that the tree has been maintained for an extended period by pruning it to be safe and prolong its existence. It says it will continue to work on sustaining it.
In other Banksy news, on the afternoon of December 22nd last year, one of his artworks was stolen less than an hour after he confirmed it was his on Instagram. The piece was a traffic stop sign, emblazoned with three military drones, and was stolen in broad daylight at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in the South London district of Peckham.
Two men were spotted taking the sign down, and although it is not yet known why it was undertaken, the controversial subject matter might offer an explanation as to why. Banksy has previously created street art in Gaza and appeared to be calling for a ceasefire in the current conflict thereafter expressing his support for its population on his website in the past, calling it a “prison”.
