Summary
- Banksy dropped a new sculpture of a faceless flag-bearer in Waterloo Place in London
- Fans speculate that the piece, situated between figures of British historical icons, is commentary on how individuals can be blinded by power
Central London just got a new Banksy original. Staged in the historically charged Waterloo Place, the sculpture depicts a suited figure blindfolded by its own flag confidently marching off its plinth.
The work was dropped in the square overnight on Wednesday via crane. Scrawled with “Banksy” at its base, the sculpture quickly caught wind from fans of the elusive street artist, who authenticated the piece in a video posted to Instagram earlier today.
The area, St James’s, is known for its monuments of British imperial figures. The new Banksy sits beside monumental bronzes of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War Memorial, with a gilded Athena ruling over the facade of the Athenaeum Club.
Dropping a figure such as the flag-bearer in this league of individuals proves politically provocative, which is only to be expected from the artist. Many readings from fans so far speculate the statue is commentary on “blind patriotism,” or how can power structures heedlessly lead themselves to their own demise.
We’re not sure how long the statue’s here to stay, but given Banksy’s last London interventions, it’s looking like not for long. Last year, several murals by the artist cropped up across the city, bringing attention to topics like protest, conflict, surveillance and class. A protestor-striking judge hit the walls of London’s Royal Courts of Justice in September, with its removal drawing just as much controversy as its mounting.
