Behind the curtains: How a London artist tackles social issues through art
London’s favourite unknown artist resurfaces with a splash of green
Updated: Mar 20th, 2024
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| The London mural behind the tree | Image credit: Instagram (@banksy) |
The lazy eyes in north London on the Sunday morning of Mar 17 must have sprung wide awake with the pop of green that unexpectedly blessed their eyes.
A crowd gathered to see the mural, exhibiting splashes of green paint placed right behind the foliage of a tree and the stencil of a man with a sprayer in his hands, reported local media.
A day later, Banksy, the artist of an unknown identity, claimed responsibility for it. However, even before the unnamed activist posted his art proudly on Instagram, the city was abuzz with the speculations of, “Banksy blessing them”, according to the media.
Just below Banksy posting the photo of new-green behind the was-green, read a comment by an Instagram user, saying, “Ever noticed how Banksy and Kate Middleton are never pictured together?”
This brilliant double pop-culture reference, talking about the ongoing talks about the Princess of Wales’ disappearance from the public, also sheds a light (or a shadow of doubt) on how little is known about the artist in question.
Known for his satirical street art that is more often anti-establishment, Banksy makes sure his art conveys a very strong message. Despite his worldwide fame though, the official identity remains veiled.
Reports suggest that he started with the underground graffiti scene in Bristol, UK, and grew up to become what he is today.
There’s but one way to understand an artist about whom very little is known about. While the green behind the cut tree looks like an obvious attempt at activism, some of his artworks go deeper, provoking thoughtful discussions.
On his social media, before the tree picture, a stop sign with drones stuck to it, and the comments under the post project their understanding, ranging from Israel’s attacks in Gaza, or Yemen, Lebanon, and Hamas attacking Israel.
His ‘Girl with a Balloon’ advocated for a number of social causes. In 2014, it was used to highlight the Syrian refugee crisis and the UK election in 2017. According to a 2017 Samsung poll, it was ranked as the most beloved artwork of the UK.
In 2006, a CNN correspondent in London coined the term ‘The Banksy Effect’, which indicated the artist’s success was working for the other underground artists of London, too.
Banksy’s art pieces have sold at eye-watering prices many a time, but the artist has always maintained the stance of not commercialising his art, indicating that the sales were made by third parties and not him.
A genius for some and a vandal for some, the street artist has created enough name for himself, ironically without having one. People, as they gloat over the understanding of Banksy’s art on his socials, wait for his next piece every time one drops, wondering what social issue he will tackle next with stencils and colours in his hands.
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