Banksy Unveils Second Animal Artwork in 24 Hours, Sparking Speculation in London
Renowned street artist Banksy has unveiled his second animal-themed artwork in less than a day, continuing his recent spree of public interventions in London. This time, the piece depicts two elephants reaching towards each other from blocked-out windows, painted on the side of a house in Chelsea, south-west London.
The artist confirmed the authenticity of his latest work on Tuesday via an Instagram post, echoing his strategy with the previous piece. Unveiled on Monday, the earlier artwork showcases a goat perched atop a wall near Kew Bridge in Richmond upon Thames. This image features a silhouette of the animal against a backdrop of falling rocks, with a CCTV camera pointed towards it.
Both murals have sparked widespread speculation regarding their symbolism. Banksy has remained silent on his social media channels, leaving viewers to interpret the potential messages behind the chosen subjects. Some observers have drawn parallels between the goat's precarious position and the threat of extinction, while others have connected the CCTV camera to concerns over privacy intrusion.
The two London artworks follow the artist's recent stunt at Glastonbury in June, where he crowdsurfed a giant inflatable migrant boat across the festival grounds. The piece, meant to highlight the plight of refugees, was met with criticism from former Home Secretary James Cleverly, who labelled it "trivialising" and "vile". Banksy responded to the criticism, deeming Cleverly's reaction "a bit over the top".
In March, Banksy further amplified his artistic voice through a tree mural in north London. This piece portrayed a cut-back tree with green paint sprayed behind it, simulating foliage. Notably, the paint colour matched Islington council's street signs in the area, adding another layer of commentary on urban landscapes and environmental concerns.
Banksy's works, frequently infused with political and social commentary, have adorned public spaces worldwide. Despite his global fame and recognition, the artist's identity remains shrouded in mystery. His latest London creations have once again captivated the public imagination, prompting discussions on social issues and prompting speculation about the artist's next move.
