Banksy’s Latest Sculpture Joins London’s Imperial Icons

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Summary

  • Banksy dropped a new sculpture of a faceless flag-bearer in Waterloo Place in London
  • Fans speculate that the piece, situated between figures of British historical icons, is commentary on how individuals can be blinded by power

Central London just got a new Banksy original. Staged in the historically charged Waterloo Place, the sculpture depicts a suited figure blindfolded by its own flag confidently marching off its plinth.

The work was dropped in the square overnight on Wednesday via crane. Scrawled with “Banksy” at its base, the sculpture quickly caught wind from fans of the elusive street artist, who authenticated the piece in a video posted to Instagram earlier today.

The area, St James’s, is known for its monuments of British imperial figures. The new Banksy sits beside monumental bronzes of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War Memorial, with a gilded Athena ruling over the facade of the Athenaeum Club.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)

Dropping a figure such as the flag-bearer in this league of individuals proves politically provocative, which is only to be expected from the artist. Many readings from fans so far speculate the statue is commentary on “blind patriotism,” or how can power structures heedlessly lead themselves to their own demise.

We’re not sure how long the statue’s here to stay, but given Banksy’s last London interventions, it’s looking like not for long. Last year, several murals by the artist cropped up across the city, bringing attention to topics like protest, conflict, surveillance and class. A protestor-striking judge hit the walls of London’s Royal Courts of Justice in September, with its removal drawing just as much controversy as its mounting.

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WePresent’s London Spring Show Is an Ode to Community

The ‘On Belonging’ exhibit brings together the platform’s creative network for a programme of art, film, literature and music.

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Text By

Erin Ikeuchi

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Art



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Summary

  • Banksy dropped a new sculpture of a faceless flag-bearer in Waterloo Place in London
  • Fans speculate that the piece, situated between figures of British historical icons, is commentary on how individuals can be blinded by power

Central London just got a new Banksy original. Staged in the historically charged Waterloo Place, the sculpture depicts a suited figure blindfolded by its own flag confidently marching off its plinth.

The work was dropped in the square overnight on Wednesday via crane. Scrawled with “Banksy” at its base, the sculpture quickly caught wind from fans of the elusive street artist, who authenticated the piece in a video posted to Instagram earlier today.

The area, St James’s, is known for its monuments of British imperial figures. The new Banksy sits beside monumental bronzes of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War Memorial, with a gilded Athena ruling over the facade of the Athenaeum Club.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)

Dropping a figure such as the flag-bearer in this league of individuals proves politically provocative, which is only to be expected from the artist. Many readings from fans so far speculate the statue is commentary on “blind patriotism,” or how can power structures heedlessly lead themselves to their own demise.

We’re not sure how long the statue’s here to stay, but given Banksy’s last London interventions, it’s looking like not for long. Last year, several murals by the artist cropped up across the city, bringing attention to topics like protest, conflict, surveillance and class. A protestor-striking judge hit the walls of London’s Royal Courts of Justice in September, with its removal drawing just as much controversy as its mounting.

Read Full Article

Find out more for London

Nhu Xuan Hua’s Surreal Family Photographs Convey What Words Can’t

Nhu Xuan Hua’s Surreal Family Photographs Convey What Words Can’t

The artist searches for her Vietnamese roots in ‘Of Walking On Fire,’ now on view at London’s Autograph gallery.

WePresent’s London Spring Show Is an Ode to Community

WePresent’s London Spring Show Is an Ode to Community

The ‘On Belonging’ exhibit brings together the platform’s creative network for a programme of art, film, literature and music.

Looking for more suggestions for London?

Text By

Erin Ikeuchi

Share this article

Art


  • 1.8K

  • 0 Comments


  • Save

Text By

Erin Ikeuchi

Share this article

Art

Text By

Erin Ikeuchi

Share this article

Art



1.8K

0 Comments


Save

Summary

  • Banksy dropped a new sculpture of a faceless flag-bearer in Waterloo Place in London
  • Fans speculate that the piece, situated between figures of British historical icons, is commentary on how individuals can be blinded by power

Central London just got a new Banksy original. Staged in the historically charged Waterloo Place, the sculpture depicts a suited figure blindfolded by its own flag confidently marching off its plinth.

The work was dropped in the square overnight on Wednesday via crane. Scrawled with “Banksy” at its base, the sculpture quickly caught wind from fans of the elusive street artist, who authenticated the piece in a video posted to Instagram earlier today.

The area, St James’s, is known for its monuments of British imperial figures. The new Banksy sits beside monumental bronzes of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War Memorial, with a gilded Athena ruling over the facade of the Athenaeum Club.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)

Dropping a figure such as the flag-bearer in this league of individuals proves politically provocative, which is only to be expected from the artist. Many readings from fans so far speculate the statue is commentary on “blind patriotism,” or how can power structures heedlessly lead themselves to their own demise.

We’re not sure how long the statue’s here to stay, but given Banksy’s last London interventions, it’s looking like not for long. Last year, several murals by the artist cropped up across the city, bringing attention to topics like protest, conflict, surveillance and class. A protestor-striking judge hit the walls of London’s Royal Courts of Justice in September, with its removal drawing just as much controversy as its mounting.

Read Full Article

Find out more for London

Nhu Xuan Hua’s Surreal Family Photographs Convey What Words Can’t

Nhu Xuan Hua’s Surreal Family Photographs Convey What Words Can’t

The artist searches for her Vietnamese roots in ‘Of Walking On Fire,’ now on view at London’s Autograph gallery.

WePresent’s London Spring Show Is an Ode to Community

WePresent’s London Spring Show Is an Ode to Community

The ‘On Belonging’ exhibit brings together the platform’s creative network for a programme of art, film, literature and music.

Looking for more suggestions for London?

Text By

Erin Ikeuchi

Share this article

Art



1.8K

0 Comments


Save

Art


Art



1.8K

0 Comments


Save

Summary

  • Banksy dropped a new sculpture of a faceless flag-bearer in Waterloo Place in London
  • Fans speculate that the piece, situated between figures of British historical icons, is commentary on how individuals can be blinded by power

Central London just got a new Banksy original. Staged in the historically charged Waterloo Place, the sculpture depicts a suited figure blindfolded by its own flag confidently marching off its plinth.

The work was dropped in the square overnight on Wednesday via crane. Scrawled with “Banksy” at its base, the sculpture quickly caught wind from fans of the elusive street artist, who authenticated the piece in a video posted to Instagram earlier today.

The area, St James’s, is known for its monuments of British imperial figures. The new Banksy sits beside monumental bronzes of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War Memorial, with a gilded Athena ruling over the facade of the Athenaeum Club.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)

Dropping a figure such as the flag-bearer in this league of individuals proves politically provocative, which is only to be expected from the artist. Many readings from fans so far speculate the statue is commentary on “blind patriotism,” or how can power structures heedlessly lead themselves to their own demise.

We’re not sure how long the statue’s here to stay, but given Banksy’s last London interventions, it’s looking like not for long. Last year, several murals by the artist cropped up across the city, bringing attention to topics like protest, conflict, surveillance and class. A protestor-striking judge hit the walls of London’s Royal Courts of Justice in September, with its removal drawing just as much controversy as its mounting.

Read Full Article

Text By

Erin Ikeuchi

Share this article

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