For more than a week, the streets of the capital of England have been occupied by the works of Banksy, the anonymous artist, who this time has chosen to paint different animals. Pelicans, piranhas, monkeys, wolves, elephants, a lying cat, a rhinoceros and a gorilla have appeared in the public eye in various corners of London.
The artist's vision is clear and simple: Street art, designed to please the public during a period when the headlines have been bleak and not at all good. In this news, people have probably lost hope of seeing the light. Banksy stands out as an artist who always aims to bring unexpected works to the public and create fun games with images.
Monday - The first work to appear was a goat moving on Kew Bridge, south west London. Some thought it was an imitation, others speculated that it was a play on the word "GOAT", (greatest of all time) in the popular dictionary.
Tuesday – Two elephant heads appeared in two windows. Both of them were looking at each other.
Wednesday – Three monkeys appeared on a bridge in east London.
Thursday – A sketch of a lone wolf howling at the moon appeared on a roof in Peckham. The work was then claimed stolen after 2 masked men removed it. Banksy's representative told the BBC they were unaware of the work's current location.
Friday – Two hungry pelicans appeared above a fish shop on Avenue Pretoria.
Later, authorities and people discovered a cat lying down, several piranhas on the road, a rhinoceros and a gorilla, which was pulling several other animals out of a bag. For many commentators, the works may also be a reference to "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, which shows the rebellion of animals/humans against the government.
The cat
The piranhas
rhino
The gorilla that helps the birds to escape
We recall that Banksy is an anonymous artist, who is known for his street art and the special symbolism it conveys. His works are simple, direct and full of messages.
