Protective barriers have been set up around Banksy’s latest artwork in the City of London to prevent potential vandalism. The piece features piranhas swimming on a police sentry box near the Old Bailey court. After Banksy claimed the artwork on Instagram, the City of London authorities are working on ways to preserve it. This marks the seventh animal-themed design by Banksy in London this week.
Unlike Banksy’s previous dark silhouette images, this new artwork showcases a giant fish tank painted on the glass-paned box. City of London police officers examined the piece and are collaborating with the City of London Corporation on how to handle the artwork. The police box attracted a small crowd after it was confirmed to be a genuine Banksy piece, and plastic barriers were later installed to prevent people from posing for pictures inside the artwork.
Photographer Avi Yasitli, who has visited all of Banksy’s new pieces this week, believes the animals depicted in the artwork symbolize the city turning into a zoo. Another artist, Daniel Lloyd-Morgan, responsible for painting most of Banksy’s pieces this week, finds the new collection uplifting for Londoners. He mentioned that the buzz around Banksy’s work extends beyond the artwork itself and becomes a part of the environment created around it.
In a recent incident, Banksy’s artwork featuring a stretching cat on an advertising billboard in Cricklewood was removed for safety reasons, much to the disappointment of onlookers. The removal was expedited to prevent any damage to the piece. Similarly, a painting of a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Peckham was also taken down shortly after it was unveiled. The removal of these artworks has sparked controversy, with Banksy’s spokesperson clarifying that the artist does not endorse or support the theft of their designs.
The animal-themed series by Banksy began with a goat near Kew Bridge, followed by elephants in Chelsea, monkeys in Brick Lane, and pelicans in Walthamstow. Each piece carries its unique message and style, adding to the urban art landscape of London. The appearance of these artworks has created a buzz among residents and visitors, attracting art enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
The preservation and protection of Banksy’s latest artwork in the City of London highlight the significance of street art in contemporary culture. As these pieces continue to captivate audiences and spark conversations, their value goes beyond mere aesthetics, serving as a reflection of societal issues and artistic expression in public spaces. The ongoing dialogue surrounding Banksy’s work underscores the enduring impact of street art on community engagement and creative discourse.