The British street artist Banksy has revealed his second animal-themed mural within 24 hours. The latest piece, featuring two elephants peering out from blocked windows, was unveiled on the side of a house in Chelsea, southwest London. The artist confirmed this new work through an Instagram post on Tuesday.
This unveiling follows closely on the heels of another artwork Banksy revealed on Monday, which depicts a goat perched atop a wall near Kew Bridge in Richmond upon Thames. The mural shows the silhouette of a goat standing on a ledge, with rocks seemingly tumbling beneath it and a CCTV camera ominously trained on the animal.
Banksy has remained characteristically silent on the meaning behind these new pieces, prompting widespread speculation among his followers. Theories range from commentary on wildlife extinction to the erosion of privacy in modern society. These two murals in London come shortly after Banksy’s provocative piece at Glastonbury in June, where he showcased a creation featuring a migrant boat being crowdsurfed. This particular work drew sharp criticism from former Home Secretary James Cleverly, who called it “trivialising” and “vile.” Banksy dismissed Cleverly’s reaction as “a bit over the top.”
In March, the artist adorned a wall in north London with a mural of a tree, cleverly designed with green paint to mimic foliage and blend seamlessly with Islington Council’s street signs. Banksy’s work, known for its sharp political and social commentary, continues to captivate the public. Despite his global fame, Banksy’s true identity remains one of the art world’s best-kept secrets. His latest murals in Chelsea and Richmond have quickly become points of interest, attracting art enthusiasts and curious onlookers. Banksy’s work prompts reflection and dialogue, reinforcing his position as a pivotal figure in contemporary art.
Banksy began his career as a graffiti artist in the early 1990s in Bristol as part of the DryBreadZ Crew. Influenced by the works of Blek le Rat and the anarcho-punk culture, his early work was characterised by freehand graffiti with a solid social and political message. Over time, he adopted the stencilling technique that has become his hallmark, reportedly to cut down the time needed to paint his pieces and reduce the risk of being caught.
Banksy’s works have appeared in various locations around the globe, from the streets of London to the West Bank barrier in Israel. His art often features striking, humorous images and slogans that critique capitalism, war, and societal norms. Some of his most famous works include “Girl with Balloon,” “The Flower Thrower,” and “There Is Always Hope.”
In addition to street art, Banksy has ventured into the world of fine art and film. His documentary, “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Banksy has also staged several exhibitions, most notably “Dismaland,” a dystopian theme park in Weston-super-Mare, England, which drew significant attention and acclaim.
Banksy has maintained a shroud of anonymity despite his global fame, adding to the intrigue and allure surrounding his persona. His works often appear overnight, and their sudden emergence contributes to the surprise and excitement that his art generates. Through his anonymity and the impactful nature of his work, Banksy continues to challenge and inspire the world of contemporary art.
Top Photo Courtesy Banksy Via Instagram