Graffiti is political.

It is used to create public awareness, to claim back space, and as an expression of human physicality and presence in cities and countries.

So it makes sense that Banksy, who is still a street artist despite notoriety in the art world, would have something to say about the pandemic.

It started with physical distancing. In solidarity with those self-isolating, Banksy worked from home, transforming his bathroom into a rat-infested playground. 

His artwork at Southampton hospital, depicting a healthcare worker as an action hero, came complete with a note which read: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white”.

The rats have now been rolled out again, this time in a more public display on the London Underground (London Tube).

You may have heard something about the select few who refuse to wear masks even though scientific evidence proves that it helps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Banksy wanted to provide a little encouragement to adhere to this necessary measure with a mural inside a train carriage.

He filmed the whole thing:

Disease-spreading rats, hand sanitiser, incorrect usage of masks – it’s all in there.

In homage to his origins, Banksy even tags his work.

Then there’s the dad joke.

‘I get lockdown’…

‘But I get up again’

Usually, when Banksy leaves a mural somewhere, people are thrilled. His work has been known to fetch over £1 million at auction.

Not Transport for London (TFL), though.

According to The Telegraph, they removed it.

TFL said that while it “appreciated the sentiment of encouraging people to wear face masks, “the work has been removed”. The transport authority invited Banksy to paint a new version “in a suitable location.”

One does not simply “invite Banksy” to paint murals. That’s not and has never been how he works.

That train carriage just decreased in value.

I hope the TFL is pleased with itself.

[source:telegraph]