Renowned street artist Banksy is making headlines again with the unveiling of two identical murals in London that address pressing social issues. The first mural was spotted on Monday in Bayswater, depicting two children in winter attire lying on the ground, with one child pointing skyward. This artwork is positioned on a wall above garages on Queen’s Mews. Following its appearance, Banksy confirmed his involvement through an Instagram post.
In a twist, another identical mural was discovered outside the Centre Point tower in central London just days earlier, on Friday. Although Banksy’s representatives have officially acknowledged the Bayswater piece, the connection to the Centre Point artwork has been widely accepted by art enthusiasts and commentators alike.
Local artist Daniel Lloyd-Morgan suggested that the choice of location for the Centre Point mural serves as a commentary on child homelessness, particularly during the holiday season. He observed that passing pedestrians often overlook the artwork, reflecting a broader tendency to ignore those experiencing homelessness. “It’s quite poignant that people aren’t stopping,” he noted, drawing a parallel between the children in the mural pointing upward and the very real plight of homeless individuals on the streets.
The Centre Point tower, a significant landmark at 101-103 New Oxford Street, has historical ties to housing protests and issues surrounding homelessness. Originally built as an office space in 1963, it remained vacant for over a decade, earning criticism from social justice advocates. The tower has since been converted into luxury flats, a transformation that has further fueled discussions surrounding gentrification and its impacts on the vulnerable population in the area. The homelessness charity Centrepoint was even named in response to this building, highlighting the intersection of art, social justice, and community issues in Banksy’s work.
Furthermore, observant fans have noted that the child depicted in the new murals resembles a character from a previous Banksy piece created in Port Talbot in 2018, a rare instance of the artist reusing characters in his work. This adds another layer of intrigue as the artist tends to be known for evolving his imagery.
The unveiling of these murals aligns with Banksy’s recent artistic endeavors throughout London, including a striking protest-themed mural that appeared outside the Royal Courts of Justice in September and depicts the challenges faced by society. Banksy’s work continues to resonate on significant societal themes, providing a thought-provoking reflection that invites dialogue about homelessness and societal neglect, particularly during the festive season. The artist’s ability to merge art with activism inspires hope that awareness can lead to change for those in need.