A green mural that appeared in the early hours of Sunday on a street near Finsbury Park in London has sparked speculation that it is the last work of famous street artist Banksy. The painting shows a mature tree with leaves painted on the wall behind it, and next to the tree is a stencil of a person holding a pressure hose.
The paint color matches that used by Islington Council on their local signs, showing Banksy’s trademark attention to detail.
Banksy claimed authorship of the work by publishing before and after photos on his official Instagram account.
Before the artist’s message, James Peak, presenter of BBC’s The Banksy Story, had revealed that he was convinced that Banksy’s seal is behind the mural. “The message is clear,” he said. “Nature is fighting and it is up to us to help it grow again,” Peak said in statements to the BBC.
Peak specified to the British media that the artist would probably have used a pressure hose to create the effect of the leaves on the wall behind the tree.
In short, this intriguing mural suggests a reflection on the relationship between nature and society, and as always with Banksy, his authorship remains enigmatic until he himself reveals it on his website.
Banksy, who has never confirmed his full identity, began his career spray painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has become one of the most famous artists in the world.
Banksy’s work has sold for millions of dollars at auction, and previous murals on outdoor sites have often been stolen or removed by building owners shortly after being created.
In December, after Banksy stenciled military drones on a stop sign in south London, a man was photographed removing the sign with bolt cutters. Police later arrested two men on suspicion of robbery and criminal damage.