Banksy Deploys Wildlife Around London – But What's the Meaning?
Mystery street artist Banksy has once again left the citizens of London guessing with a series of murals appearing across the city this week featuring animals. From Richmond to Peckham, locations in both the west and east ends have seen the emergence of a goat, two elephant heads, three monkeys and a howling wolf – all in Banksy's signature stenciled style.
The first piece saw a mountain goat perched precariously on a ledge in Richmond on Monday. Two days later, a pair of elephant heads peered out from blocked windows in an affluent Chelsea neighborhood. Next were three monkeys hanging from a railway bridge in east London on Wednesday. Finally, a lone wolf howled at the sky from a satellite dish in southeast London's Peckham area on Thursday.
As with all of Banksy's creations, social media has been abuzz trying to deduce the potential meanings behind these newest wildlife-themed works. Some have speculated they relate to the recent unrest seen in parts of the UK, while others feel they represent humanity's role in our planet's downfall. Of course, as the anonymous artist provides no explanations, it is all open to interpretation.
One thing is for certain – Banksy continues to generate conversation and intrigue with his stealthy urban interventions. While the true intentions behind these animals among us may never be clear, they serve as yet another reminder of this master provocateur's ability to get people talking. Wherever Banksy's imagination may take us next, one can be sure the debates will follow closely behind.
