Banksy Confirms New London Statue of Man Blinded by Flag
- Elusive street artist Banksy confirmed Thursday that he is responsible for a new sculpture installed in central London depicting a man walking with a flag obscuring his face.
- Banksy announced the work via a post on Instagram, sharing a video showing the statue being towed to Westminster during the night.
- The sculpture itself portrays a figure marching forward, with a large flag completely covering their face.
Elusive street artist Banksy confirmed Thursday that he is responsible for a new sculpture installed in central London depicting a man walking with a flag obscuring his face. The artwork appeared overnight in Waterloo Place, near statues of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, and was first noted by the public on Wednesday.
Banksy announced the work via a post on Instagram, sharing a video showing the statue being towed to Westminster during the night. The video also includes footage of nearby landmarks, including the statue of Winston Churchill, and a brief clip of a passerby stating their dislike of the artwork.
“no, I don’t like it”
Passerby, as quoted in Banksy’s Instagram post
The sculpture itself portrays a figure marching forward, with a large flag completely covering their face. The base of the statue is signed ‘Banksy.’
Previous Statues and Artistic Style
This is not Banksy’s first foray into sculpture. In 2004, the artist installed “The Drinker,” a statue inspired by Rodin’s “The Thinker,” on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End. That piece was also removed shortly after its installation.
Banksy is internationally renowned for his provocative graffiti and installations, often appearing in public spaces without prior announcement. His work frequently carries strong political and social commentary.
Public Reaction and Location
The statue’s location in Waterloo Place places it within a historically significant area of Westminster. The area is home to several monuments, including those dedicated to Edward VII, Florence Nightingale, and the Crimean War. The unexpected appearance of the Banksy sculpture has already drawn crowds and generated discussion among Londoners and art enthusiasts.
News of the artwork’s confirmation spread quickly through media outlets including the BBC, the Guardian, and the Associated Press. The New Zealand Herald also reported on the confirmation, highlighting the international attention the piece has garnered.
The artist’s Instagram post served as the primary source for confirming authorship of the statue, providing both visual documentation and a glimpse into the installation process.