This morning, a new mural by the elusive street artist Banksy was discovered in the northeastern London neighborhood of Walthamstow, marking the fifth piece the artist has unveiled this week. The latest work, which shows two pelicans eating fish above the yellow sign of a fish and chips takeaway shop, was confirmed via Banksy’s Instagram account early on August 9.
A Week of Animal-Themed Artworks
Banksy’s recent spree of street art has been centered around animals, with each of the five new pieces featuring a different creature. The first of the series, a black mountain goat, was spotted perched on a wall support structure facing a surveillance camera near London’s Kew Bridge. This was followed by a depiction of two elephants facing each other, painted on two blocked-out windows in Chelsea.
The third mural featured three monkeys swinging from the bridge of a subway station in the eastern part of London. The fourth, a howling wolf painted on a white satellite dish in the Peckham borough of South London, made headlines when it was stolen less than two hours after its image was posted online by Banksy.
Theft and Vandalism: The Risks of Banksy’s Art
The recent theft of the howling wolf mural in Peckham is not an isolated incident. The Metropolitan Police reported that two individuals with a ladder made off with the artwork shortly after it was revealed on Banksy’s Instagram, although no arrests have been made. This is not the first time a Banksy piece has been targeted. In March, a mural depicting a life-size woman holding a pressure washer in the northern part of London was defaced with white paint shortly after its debut. The building’s owner has since installed protective measures, including plastic sheets and wooden boards, to safeguard the artwork.
Speculation Surrounds Banksy’s Intent
As with many of Banksy’s works, the lack of captions or titles accompanying the Instagram posts has led to widespread speculation about the meaning behind these animal-themed pieces. Fans and critics alike are eagerly discussing the possible messages Banksy intends to convey through these latest artworks.
A Legacy of Controversy and Popularity
Banksy’s street art has always attracted both admiration and controversy. The recent wave of animal murals has not only captivated the public’s attention but also highlighted the ongoing challenges in preserving his work. With previous incidents of theft and vandalism, it remains to be seen how the new pieces in London will fare in the coming days.
As the city’s residents and visitors flock to view these works, the demand for added protection is clear. Authorities and property owners may need to act swiftly to ensure these latest creations are preserved for public enjoyment.
Feature Image: WALTHAMSTOW, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: A mural purportedly by the artist Banksy, showing pelicans eating fish, adorns the side of Bonners fish and chip shop on August 09, 2024 in Walthamstow, England. It was the fifth artwork debuted by the elusive street artist in London this week. (Photo by Matthew Baker/Getty Images)PHOTO BY MATTHEW BAKER/GETTY IMAGES
Artwork by Banksy Stolen Hours After Unveiling in South London
