Banksy’s Urban Beasts: The New Series of Animal Murals Taking London by Storm
Banksy, the mysterious street artist from Bristol, has recently completed a new series of animal-themed murals that have quickly captured London’s attention. With works ranging from a goat balancing on a wall in Richmond to a howling wolf in Peckham, the city has been overtaken by the artist’s enigmatic creations. The latest mural, depicting two pelicans, appeared on the wall of a fish and chips shop in Walthamstow, bringing the total number of pieces created in just a few days to five.
The Pelican Mural in Walthamstow
Last Friday, Banksy unveiled his fifth mural in as many days, painting two pelicans on the exterior wall of Bonners Fish Bar on Pretoria Avenue in Walthamstow. One of the pelicans, with its wings outstretched and head tilted back, is depicted swallowing a fish. Next to it, a smaller bird is pecking at one of the fish symbols on the shop’s yellow sign. The mural follows the stencil technique and echoes the wildlife theme present in the other London works of this week.
Previous Works: From the Wolf in Peckham to the Elephants in Chelsea
Before the pelican mural, Banksy had already made his mark with four other animal-themed works. On Thursday, a howling wolf painted on a satellite dish appeared on Rye Lane in Peckham, but it was quickly stolen by a group of thieves. On Wednesday, the artist had painted three monkeys swinging on a bridge in Brick Lane, East London. On Tuesday, two elephants whose trunks touch had appeared on a house in Chelsea. The first piece in the series, a goat teetering on a wall, was revealed on Monday near Kew Bridge in Richmond.
Speculations and Interpretations
The appearance of these works has sparked a series of speculations about their meaning. Some users on social media have started calling the collection “London Zoo” and have hypothesized that Banksy is comparing the recent far-right rioters to zoo animals. Others have linked the images to themes such as the climate crisis, extinction, and social media dynamics.
Paul Gough, principal of the Arts University Bournemouth and author of “Banksy: The Bristol Legacy,” suggested that Banksy might be on the verge of revealing a significant message with these works. According to Gough, the artist is creating a “menagerie of animals” to keep public attention high and to raise expectations.
Expert Opinion
While speculations grow, some experts remain skeptical. Jonathan Jones, art critic for the Guardian, commented that Banksy “has become part of the establishment” and that the new works, although pleasant, do not offer much artistically. Jones suggested that the artist might soon reveal his true identity, as these works do not seem to have the usual provocative impact.
Conclusion
The new series of animal-themed murals by Banksy has brought the artist back into the spotlight, with works that spark debate and reflection throughout London. Although some critics are skeptical about the artistic value of these creations, Banksy’s disruptive impact on the global art scene remains undisputed. As speculations continue, the public eagerly awaits to see what the artist’s next move will be.