Elusive graffiti artist Banksy has graced London with his third piece of street art in as many days, triggering speculation about the message behind his work.
Questions raised include 'Does his art critique right-wing rioting in the UK?' 'Does it symbolise support for Palestinians?' or 'Is it referencing climate change or even the Olympics?'
The artist has remained typically reticent, claiming his work on Instagram without comment.
This week's postings are an unusually frequent occurrence, considering that his posts often span months.
On Monday, a Banksy goat was revealed perched on a duct on a wall in Richmond, West London, under the gaze of a surveillance camera. Then, on Tuesday, a depiction of two elephants peeking out from bricked-up windows on a Chelsea mansion emerged. Wednesday's offering was three monkeys who appeared to be swinging from a railway bridge in East London’s Shoreditch.
Scholar Fawaz Gerges, who went to observe the monkeys, theorised for French news agency AFP that Banksy’s art urges viewers to reflect on the ecological crisis. He pointed out the recurring theme, in the artist’s recent works, of nature, whether portrayed as animals or as a tree painted several months ago in North London.
He sees it as a “message of love for humanity” and an “antidote to hate,” especially relevant against the background of “destructive right-wing extremism.”
The UK has been shaken by right-wing riots in the past week, with migrant hostels and mosques becoming targets of violence.
Banksy, whose identity remains unknown but whose art commands exorbitant prices, has repeatedly advocated for refugees.
In June, he performed at England’s Glastonbury festival, where a dinghy carrying mannequins in life jackets was carried by the crowd.
In a rare move, Banksy commented on this work, criticising former Conservative interior minister, James Cleverly, as crossing the line with his critiques.
