Banksy Tree Mural Appears in London... "They Won't Tear This Down, Right?"

On the 18th (local time), people are gathering to see Banksy's mural.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

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The street artist Banksy, known as the 'faceless painter,' has unveiled another work. This time, he used a bare tree with its branches cut off as the material.

On the 18th (local time), Banksy confirmed via his Instagram that the mural appearing near Finsbury Park in London, UK, is his work. The day before, a mural painted with green paint appeared on the exterior wall of a building here, attracting many visitors. In front of the mural stands a large tree with only cut branches remaining, making it look as if the green paint represents the leaves of this tree. At the bottom of the wall, there is a depiction of a small woman holding a high-pressure washer.

Citizens passing through the streets of London are looking at a mural painted by Banksy.
[Image source=AP News]

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Residents are interpreting the painting as an environmental protection message, emphasizing that nature should not be destroyed. Lydia Guera, a local resident, said, "It reminds me of weeping willows," adding, "It seems to convey a message about nature struggling with the dead tree in front." Since the mural appeared on the 17th, which is St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, there is also speculation that the green color symbolizes St. Patrick.

Banksy has left works around the world’s streets conveying various messages such as peace, love, the environment, and state power. His works, which carry messages about humanity and society, are sold for large sums at exhibitions and auctions. Last year, a piece Banksy created by painting a military drone on a 'STOP' sign on a London street was stolen shortly after Banksy confirmed its authenticity.

A man is removing a sign confirmed to be a Banksy artwork at an intersection in London, UK, on December 22 last year. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

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Meanwhile, Banksy is called the 'faceless painter' because his real name and identity are unknown. Instead, he authenticates his works by posting photos of them on his social media accounts. Banksy’s works sell for at least tens of thousands of dollars, reaching tens or even hundreds of millions. In a 2021 Sotheby’s auction, Banksy’s work titled 'Love is in the Bin' was sold for 18.7 million pounds, approximately 30.4 billion Korean won at the time.

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