'Mural of Cats, Monkeys, and Wolves in London, the "Olympic Neighborhood"... Banksy Says "I Painted It"'

"Cheering for the Public in Uncertain Times... No Political Intent"

The faceless artist Banksy has been unveiling a series of animal murals across London since the 5th of this month.

Some interpret this as a metaphor likening the far-right rioters who have recently unsettled the UK to animals. When a goat mural appeared, speculation arose that it symbolized solidarity with the Palestinian people suffering from the Gaza war, as goats are common livestock in Palestine.

[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

However, Pest Control, the official authentication company established by Banksy himself, stated that this interpretation is excessive and that the murals are simply intended to encourage the public.

On the 11th, Yonhap News, citing the British daily The Guardian, reported that the sixth Banksy piece appeared the day before on a blank billboard on Edgeware Road in northwest London’s Cricklewood. The mural depicts a cat stretching in the morning sunlight. Banksy confirmed at lunchtime on the same day that the artwork was his.

A graffiti artist Banksy, known for his faceless identity, recently unveiled a precariously standing goat artwork in central London.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

This week, Banksy has been leaving one animal mural each day around London. On the 5th, a goat mural appeared on a building wall near Kew Bridge in southwest London’s Richmond. On the 6th, two elephant murals were unveiled on a residential building in Chelsea’s Edith Terrace. The previous day, three monkeys were painted on the wall of a railway bridge on Brick Lane, a street known for secondhand fashion in East London.

On the 7th, three monkeys swinging on a swing appeared on a bridge over Brick Lane in East London, and on the 8th, a wolf mural was painted on a satellite antenna atop a building in Peckham, South London.

On the 9th, two pelicans eating fish appeared at a fish and chips shop in Walthamstow.

A masked perpetrator is seen tearing off a Banksy artwork.
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Some have dubbed this series of animal murals the "London Zoo Series." Several pieces were stolen shortly after being revealed. The fourth piece unveiled this week was stolen within about an hour. London police, who received the theft report, are investigating but have not yet caught the culprit.

Regarding the artworks, Pest Control explained Banksy’s intent to The Guardian, saying that the recent pieces aim to encourage the public during uncertain times when gloomy news headlines dominate and it is easier to find shadows than light.

Meanwhile, Banksy, whose real name and identity remain unknown, has gained fame by leaving message-laden murals not only across the UK but worldwide. He often authenticates his works by posting photos on social media. His artworks are recognized as pieces of art imbued with sensitivity and messages about humanity and society, and they sell for large sums at exhibitions and auctions.