Summary
- Banksy unveiled two identical London murals before Christmas, depicting children stargazing in winter clothing
- One appeared at Centre Point, the other in Bayswater
- The works serve as a poignant commentary on youth homelessness, appearing at symbolic locations like Centre Point
The elusive street artist Banksy captivated London with two identical murals that appeared just days before Christmas. The stenciled works depict two children bundled in winter coats, hats and wellington boots, lying on the ground while one points toward the sky.
The first piece was spotted on December 20 outside the Centre Point tower near Tottenham Court Road, while the second appeared on a row of garages at Queen’s Mews in Bayswater. Banksy officially claimed the Bayswater version via his Instagram on December 22, showcasing the artwork next to an overflowing skip, where the child’s finger aligns with a red light on a nearby crane to mimic the Star of Bethlehem.
Observers and art experts have interpreted these latest works as a poignant commentary on youth homelessness during the holiday season. The choice of the Centre Point tower is particularly symbolic, as the skyscraper was once a focal point for housing protests and gave its name to the homelessness charity Centrepoint.
This winter series follows a highly charged political year for the artist, including a controversial September mural at the Royal Courts of Justice. That piece, which was swiftly removed by authorities, depicted a judge striking a protester with a gavel and was widely seen as a critique of the UK government’s crackdown on activist groups. In contrast, the newest “stargazing” murals are seen as a quieter, more reflective return to human themes.
