A series of animal-themed artworks by Banksy appeared in London over the past week in the usual overnight style. This series speaks to me and I’ll try to be as concise as possible with my first impressions. As a whole, I interpret the latest Banksy series as a love letter to our planet. The theme is very current this summer.
- Piranhas on phone-booth near police station. This is the most recent artwork and is very on point considering the increasing international attention on UK policing. It calls in question the way we perceive justice and methods of enforcement. Piranhas instill fear but they are also misunderstood and necessary for ecosystems.
2. Swinging monkeys under a railway line in Brick Lane remind us of the South American jungles and invite us to reflect on the notion of freedom of association, friendship, and moving together for a cause. Their swift moving technique points to sustainable means of transportation through the concrete jungle.
3. Hungry pelicans over a pub in Walhamstow represent the joy of congregating over a meal, which could also be interpreted as a symbol of alternative conflict resolution. Pelicans are also associated with complex diverse ecosystems, representing the joy in sustaining balance and harmony with nature.
4. Stretching cat in Cricklewood. Cats are super important to keep rodents in check in big cities. Cats are also loaded with symbolism, as they populate ancient scriptures and mythology, evoking mystery and superpowers. Cats roam at night (like graffiti artists) and they are said to have 9 lives, hinting to regeneration processes, be they biologic or synthetic.
5. A goat on the side of Boss & Co, London’s oldest gunmaker in Richmond. I always wondered how goats can climb on trees. It is the cutest thing. Obviously this is a message of peace and a clear stand against gun violence.
6. A howling wolf on a satellite dish is in the process of being stolen by masked men. There is no police in sight and there are many photos of the theft in plain sight. Of course, the satellite represents reception and transmission of information. The wolf’s howling is amplified through the satellite and broadcast out to the entire world. Yes, the people of the UK want to be heard. The artwork is saying exactly that.
The stealing of that particular artwork is further representative of the silencing of legitimate speech by dictatorial powers. I hope the theft is part of an art performance and the artwork will reappear somewhere else, but even if it doesn’t, the message is really powerful and unforgettable. It made me cry.
7. Two elephants poking their heads out of blocked-out windows and attempting to touch each other’s trunks in Chelsea. A unifying “love thy neighbor” message, also representing the joy of connecting, falling in love, communication, exchange, reconciliation between left and right, beween different genders, between crown and indigenous people, a symbol of togetherness even though we are apart, so hope, I guess.
