Banksy Strikes Again: New Animal Murals Decorate London, It’s the CAT’s Turn!
Banksy, the enigmatic street artist from Bristol, has struck again with a new series of murals that are decorating the streets of London. In one week, the artist unveiled a series of artworks depicting animals, from the appearance of a goat at Kew Bridge to two pelicans in a fish and chips shop in Walthamstow.
The latest addition is a large cat, which briefly appeared on a billboard in Cricklewood, only to be removed a few hours later.
The Cricklewood Cat
Last Saturday, a mural of a large cat stretching in the sun appeared on a billboard on Edgware Road, in Cricklewood. However, just a few hours later, the artwork was removed by workers who feared it might be vandalized or stolen. Banksy confirmed the authenticity of the piece via an Instagram post and promised further surprises in the coming days.
A Series of Murals to Lift Spirits
Banksy’s intention with this new series of murals has been revealed: the artist wants to bring some cheer to Londoners during a time when the news is often grim. His works, which include pelicans, a goat, elephants, monkeys, and now a cat, were created to bring a smile and remind us of the human capacity to create and play, rather than destroy.
The “London Zoo” Series
Banksy’s works this week have been dubbed the “London Zoo” series by fans on social media, who have started to speculate about their meaning. Some have interpreted the goat teetering on a cliff as a symbol of human folly, while others saw a play on the term “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). The elephants, monkeys, and the howling wolf that appeared on Thursday have fueled further theories.
A Social Commitment Beyond Art
While Banksy was making his mark with his murals in London, his rescue boat, the M V Louise Michel, continued to operate in the Mediterranean, rescuing migrants in distress. The artist financed the vessel, named after a French anarchist feminist, with the aim of saving refugees fleeing from North Africa. In recent days, the ship has rescued at least 85 people, bringing them safely to Pozzallo, Sicily.
Conclusion
As Banksy continues to amaze the world with his art and social commitment, the exact meaning of this new series of murals remains open to interpretation. However, what is clear is that the artist continues to use his talent to create dialogue, bringing light and reflection to a world that is often dark. With the promise of more works to come, Londoners are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled to discover what Banksy’s next creation will be.