A large statue of a man marching forward with a flag covering his eyes has suddenly appeared in central London, prompting speculation that renowned street artist Banksy is behind it. The artist has indeed claimed the work, stating that the statue fills "a bit of a gap" on a traffic island in Pall Mall.
Location and Context
The new statue is situated on Waterloo Place, near prominent monuments including statues of King Edward VII, Florence Nightingale, and the Crimean War Memorial. This area is known for its national significance, adding weight to the political message implied by the artwork.
Banksy's Artistic Style
Banksy is famous for his satirical and politically charged works, often appearing on building facades. However, he has also created full-scale sculptures in the past. In 2004, his statue 'The Drinker'—a parody of Rodin's 'The Thinker'—appeared on Shaftesbury Avenue but was quickly stolen.
The new statue appears to carry a political message, situated close to Buckingham Palace and other iconic landmarks. It reinforces Banksy's role as an agitator of public discourse through art.
Previous Street Art Campaigns
In August 2024, Banksy embarked on a nine-day campaign turning London into a personal zoo. Works included a gorilla on London Zoo shutters and piranhas on a City of London police box near St Paul's Cathedral. Other pieces featured a goat, elephants, monkeys, a rhino, and pelicans across the city.
Despite intense media speculation, Banksy's true identity remains undisclosed, adding to the mystique surrounding his work. The new statue continues this tradition of anonymous, impactful public art.
