The notorious Bristolian graffiti artist Banksy returned to London this week with not one, but two new pieces. The work is in homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist (and an inspirational figure in the NYC graff scene) whose work is currently on exhibition in the Barbican.
Banksy is well-known for making an ironic statement with his work and this is what he had to say about it [via Instagram]: “Major new Basquiat show opens at the Barbican – a place that is normally very keen to clean any graffiti from its walls.”
The new pieces can be found on Golden Lane, just off Beech Street, which is about a 5 minute walk from Barbican Underground Station.
Luckily I stumbled upon the new Banksy work today by chance. I had the day off work and was heading to the gym (trying to be all healthy and that), when at Finsbury Park station I was browsing through social media, as you do, when I stumbled upon an image of what I instantly recognised as a Banksy. I then did a Google search and saw a lot of articles about it, which also confirmed it to be fresh and real. So instead of continuing on to the gym, instead I headed for Barbican via King’s Cross.
I only recently saw the Banksy down in Dover and did not expect to see a fresh piece anytime soon. So as soon as I heard there was a new one in town, the adrenaline started rushing through my body and the only thing on my mind was ‘I have to see this…’.
As comes with the territory with something like this there was a chance that it could have already been covered up or painted over, so I had to act fast. As you’d expect, the word had spread and there was plenty of street art enthusiasts in the area trying to get a perfect shot of the graff. There was also a bit of media attention and the odd member of security too; the latter of which probably trying to ensure this Banksy lasts longer than 24 hours, unlike his last one in London.
The work – which features Banksy’s classic stencil style – pays tribute to Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (from 1982).
Anyway, I won’t ramble on anymore. Below are some snaps from Banky’s latest appearance in LDN.
Some passers by didn’t realise what they were missing out on…
While others got involved…
The circus is coming to town: this Banksy features Basquiat’s iconic crown symbol
So the last thing to say is make sure you get down to Barbican soon if you want to see these Banksys before they vanish. Furthermore you should also try and see the Basquiat exhibition to soak up what this is all about.
For further Banksy reading check out my other blogs:
Brexit Through The Gift Shop (Dover)
Banksy in NYC (New York)
Banky’s ‘The Drinker’ (London)
Banksy Hunting in LDN (London)
The one and only Banksy (Bristol)
Dismaland Opens for Business (Banksy’s 2015 dystopian theme park)
Feel free to add comments and share your favourite street art/ artists.
Peace
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Street Art Everywhere 