Experts: "Critique of Child Homelessness and Social Indifference"
Controversy Over Similar Work Near Centre Point Tower
With Christmas approaching, the British graffiti artist Banksy, known as the "Faceless Artist," has once again delivered a social message by unveiling a new work in London. On December 22 (local time), Banksy announced through his social media that the mural appearing on the exterior wall of the Queens Mews garage building in the Bayswater area of West London is his work. The piece he revealed depicts two children, dressed in coats, hats, and boots, lying on their backs on the ground and gazing up at the sky. One of the children is pointing at the sky with a finger, a scene that has been interpreted as symbolizing hope or expectation.
The street artist Banksy, known as the "Faceless Artist," announced through his social media that the mural appearing on the exterior wall of the Queens Mews garage building in the Bayswater area of West London is his work. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The work immediately drew attention from major British media outlets and the art world upon its release. In particular, the fact that the children are the main subjects just before Christmas has led to analyses that Banksy intended to highlight the issues faced by society's most vulnerable, especially children.
Same Image, Different Location... Varied Interpretations of Banksy's New Work
Previously, on December 19, a mural with the same composition was discovered near Centre Point Tower in central London, sparking controversy. However, Banksy has not yet officially confirmed that this work is his. Nonetheless, experts are focusing on the possibility that the two works share the same message.
Centre Point Tower is considered a symbol of London's homelessness problem. Since its completion in 1966, it remained vacant for over a decade, and for a long time, it has been perceived as a symbol of "abandoned spaces in the city." In this context, the mural at this location is increasingly being interpreted as a direct attempt to draw attention to the issue of child homelessness.
On the 19th, a mural with the same composition was discovered near Centre Point Tower in central London. However, Banksy has not yet officially confirmed that this work is his. Photo by AP Yonhap News
In an interview with the BBC, artist Daniel Lloyd-Morgan commented, "With Christmas approaching, many children are still going through difficult times," and added, "The choice of Centre Point as the location is itself part of the message." Jason Tompkins, known as a Banksy expert, also evaluated the new work as "a clear message about the issue of homelessness."
He specifically pointed out that the child in the mural appears to be the same character as the "boy catching snowflakes with his tongue" that appeared in Port Talbot, Wales, in 2018. He analyzed that Banksy's repeated use of the same child character is highly unusual and could be an intentional choice to emphasize continuity and reinforce the message.
However, some have raised concerns that interpretations of Banksy's work are being excessively expanded into political and social meanings. Since the work near Centre Point has not yet been officially confirmed, some experts stress that it is important to approach the artist's intentions with caution and to leave room for artistic interpretation rather than making definitive judgments. Nevertheless, the prevailing view is that Banksy's unique way of raising issues remains effective, as this mural is prompting Londoners to reflect once again on social responsibility and solidarity ahead of Christmas and the New Year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
