World

Banksy reveals second new animal-themed artwork in London

Published

5 months ago

August 6, 2024

Admin

Banksy reveals second new animal-themed artwork in London

Banksy has unveiled a new artwork in London – the artist’s second in two days.

The latest work by the Bristol-based street artist features the silhouettes of two elephants with their trunks stretched out towards each other.

It is painted on what appears to be two blocked-up windows on the side of a house on the junction of Edith Terrace and Edith Grove in Chelsea.

The appearance of the elephants comes after the artist claimed to have created the artwork of a goat, perched on top of a thin wall in Kew Bridge, west London, on Monday.

The silhouette of the animal is accompanied by rocks falling from the ledge and a CCTV camera, at times pointing towards it.

Claiming he created the elephant artwork by posting it on his official Instagram account, Banksy – whose identity is not known – did not write a caption alongside it, causing fans to speculate its meaning.

Many suggested that it is a hint to the phrase the “elephant in the room” which is used to address an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about – a nod to Banksy’s often satirical artwork which sometimes draws on issues in politics and philosophy.

While another said the elephants reaching towards each other could symbolise “the process of healing and reconciliation”.

In June, an art installation of a migrant boat, which was put into the crowds at Glastonbury Festival, drew criticism from then home secretary James Cleverly.

Mr Cleverly described the stunt as “trivialising” and “vile” as it passed through the crowds during performances by indie punk band Idles and rapper Little Simz.

But the artist said the politician’s reaction was “a bit over the top”.

Banksy added that the real boat he funded being detained by Italian authorities after rescuing unaccompanied children at sea, was actually what was “vile and unacceptable”.