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Banksy’s seventh animal-themed artwork appeared on Sunday, August 11, in London, fueling speculation and media buzz as the elusive artist leaves his mark across the city.
Banksy, the enigmatic street artist whose identity remains a mystery, has once again captured the public’s attention by unveiling a new artwork in London. He lately revealed his seventh animal-themed piece in just one week, this time transforming a police sentry box in the City of London into a giant fish tank using translucent spray paint. The piece, depicting a shoal of fish swimming across the box’s glass windows, is the latest in a series that has sparked widespread media interest and speculation about its meaning.
The series began earlier this week with dark silhouette images of various animals, including a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans and a cat. Unlike the previous works, which were stark and shadowy, the latest artwork stands out with its use of translucent colors, adding a playful twist to the otherwise austere setting of the financial district.
As news of the artwork spread, two police officers were seen at the site, examining the piece and taking pictures. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Spooner commented on the situation, stating, “We are aware of criminal damage to a City of London Police box in Ludgate Hill,” and added that the police were “liaising” with the local authority, which owns the sentry box.
This latest piece follows the disappearance of two earlier works from the series. On Thursday, a depiction of a wolf on a satellite dish in southeast London was stolen less than an hour after it was unveiled. Then, on Saturday, a piece featuring a stretching cat, crafted on an empty advertising billboard in northwest London, was removed by contractors citing safety concerns.
Banksy confirmed the authenticity of his latest work via Instagram, as he often does, fueling even more intrigue and discussion among fans and media alike. The rapid pace of these unveilings is unusual for the artist, who typically spaces out his works over several months. This week’s daily appearances have led to much speculation about their purpose and meaning.
Banksy’s support organization, Pest Control Office, hinted that some of the theories about the deeper significance of the works might be overly complex. Whatever the intended message, Banksy’s latest series has succeeded in capturing the public’s imagination, adding a touch of mystery and art to the streets of London. As fans and critics continue to debate the meaning behind these animal-themed pieces, one thing is clear: Banksy remains a master of engaging the public in his unique and thought-provoking way.
With AFP
