Banksy is an anonymous street artist and activist who has been active since the 1990s. He’s known for involving political and social issues in his art. His work has been seen on different human structures from across the world such as Paris, London and Amsterdam. Nine months ago, in July and August of 2024, Banksy displayed several new pieces of street art depicting Animals in London. James Peak, a reporter for BBC on The Banksy Story, believes, ”It’s interesting that the meaning is more hidden than usual […] There’s often a message that is more clear and immediate in his work: Maybe this time he wants us to work it out for ourselves?”
Many are interested in Banksy’s motivations for these animal-themed murals; however, no specific reasons have been revealed. Many think that his purpose is to encourage animal activism. Vanessa Thorpe, the observer’s art correspondent proposed, “Banksy simply hopes the new works cheer people with a moment of unexpected amusement and demonstrate the human capacity for creative play, rather than for destruction and negativity.”
Banksy has also become very popular for his prominent Girl with Balloon collection, which he created in 2002. A painting in the series was sold at auction in London in 2018 for $1.4 million. Perhaps the most interesting detail of the painting is that after the bid, the painting self-destructed and was shredded moments later. Banksy later came forward and stated that he had a shredder installed into the painting’s frame in case it was ever auctioned. Banksy’s work has invoked change, perspective, and reflection in anyone who views his pieces, making him a disruptive and unusual artist.
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Banksy’s new urban jungle sparks hunt for hidden meaning
