A new Banksy artwork, the third in three days, depicting three monkeys, was painted on the side of a railway bridge in East London on Aug 7. Photo: AFP
One goat, two elephants, three monkeys and now a howling wolf: British street artist Banksy thrilled fans in London on Thursday by installing his fourth new artwork this week.
The animal-themed collection has sparked speculation about their message. Are they criticism of England's far-right riots or possibly support for Palestinians? Perhaps they reference global warming or even the Olympics?
As usual, the enigmatic artist gave no explanation when he claimed them on Instagram. What is unusual is how quickly they have appeared – usually Banksy's works are spaced several months apart.
People walk past a new artwork depicting a howling wolf unveiled by Banksy, painted on a satellite dish placed on a shop roof in Peckham, south London on Aug 8. Photo: AP
On Monday, a depiction of a goat precariously perched on top of a wall with rocks tumbling down appeared in Richmond, southwest London.
"I think it's actually a mountain gazelle from Palestine. So I think that work has to do with Palestine," said Daniel Lloyd-Morgan, a 60-year-old artist.
Then on Tuesday two elephant silhouettes with their trunks stretched towards each other appeared in Chelsea, southwest London.
A photograph taken on Aug 6, shows a Banksy artwork, depicting elephants, painted on the side of a building in west London. Photo: AFP
On Wednesday, the black silhouette of three monkeys appeared on the side of a railway bridge as if they were swinging.
"Banksy is trying to get us to think and reflect about the ecological crisis that really threatens humanity," said university professor Fawaz Gerges as he admired the latest work.
"His focus seems to be on animals, on trees, on oceans and it's an overarching theme of his in the past few months," he added.
On Thursday, Banksy has added a howling wolf to his collection. Painted on a satellite dish in Peckham, the stenciled wolf cleverly transforms the dish into a full moon.
A person and dog standing near a stencilled Banksy artwork, depicting a mountain goat and falling rubble at the top of a pillar, on the side of a building in Kew Gardens, west London on Aug 5. Photo: AFP
The artworks have appeared at a time when England is gripped by violent far-right, anti-immigrant protests over the murder of three girls. Demonstrators have targeted hotels housing asylum seekers.
Banksy, whose identity is unknown, has repeatedly shown sympathy for the plight of refugees.
At the Glastonbury music festival last month the artist launched an inflatable boat over crowds depicting dummy migrants wearing life vests. – AFP
