'This is a white problem': Banksy's powerful new artwork is a tribute to George Floyd

A close-up view of Banksy's new artwork inspired by the death of George Floyd. The British artist describes such acts of racial injustice as a 'white problem'. Photo: Reuters

Reclusive British street artist Banksy published a new artwork online on May 6 which depicts the United States flag being set alight by a candle that forms part of a memorial to an anonymous, black, silhouetted figure.

The artwork appeared as thousands of people gathered in London and other cities around the world to protest the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, where a white police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.