Banksy’s Latest Artwork Stolen Within an Hour of Unveiling
The artist’s latest street art was swiftly and daringly stolen in London just hours after the artist confirmed its existence. The bold heist executed with a Lime bike and bolt cutters unfolded in broad daylight leaving onlookers bewildered.
By Odd News Show Staff · December 23, 2023
Banksy continues to captivate and challenge with his thought-provoking creations in the world of elusive street art. The latest installment, a red stop sign adorned with three military drones appeared on a London street corner in the Peckham section of south London. The piece was brazenly stolen less than an hour after the artist confirmed its existence on Instagram.
The daring theft unfolded in broad daylight as witnesses watched, an onlooker recounted the scene describing a man in a red and black jacket climbed onto a Lime e-bike and began striking the sign with his hands. Unsuccessful in his attempt, the man left briefly and returned with bolt cutters to finish the job. In a matter of minutes, he removed the artwork leaving behind the Lime bike and the bolt cutters.
Banksy’s street art is renowned for its political and social commentary, and this latest piece was no exception. Followers interpreted the work as a call for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The drones’ resemblance to those in another piece, “Civilian Drone Strike” added layers to the interpretation as the earlier artwork portrayed the destruction of a house during a drone strike.
While the identity of the thief remains unknown, it is clear that the act was intentional and bold. Social media users had warned the artist of the impending theft predicting that the sign would be taken quickly. The Metropolitan Police reported that there is currently no investigation into the incident, as no one who owns the artwork has come forward to report it stolen. The artist has not commented on the removal adding to the mystery surrounding the incident.
This is not the first time a Banksy creation has been removed shortly after its unveiling. Earlier instances include the dismantling of the “Valentine’s Day Mascara” mural in Margate and the partial destruction of a Brexit-themed mural in Dover due to a regeneration project the artist’s works are known for their activism and societal critique and often face challenges in preserving their integrity.
Banksy, an enigmatic street artist born around 1974 in Bristol, England gained fame in the late ’90s for provocative stenciled pieces. His distinctive style marked by striking images and slogans, addresses political themes such as war, capitalism, and hypocrisy. Initially a graffiti artist in the ’90s, transitioned to stencils, gaining recognition in Bristol and London. Known for edgy themes and installation art, works include controversial pieces like painting a live elephant with a Victorian pattern. The West Bank barrier project in 2005 and subversive adaptations of classics, like a modified Monet painting, highlight his impactful commentary. Global acclaim has elevated graffiti to high art termed “the Banksy effect.” The 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop heightened interest with the artist’s identity remaining a mystery. Speculations point to Robert Banks or Robin Gunningham, born in Bristol in 1973, whose timeline aligns with artistic progression, despite intense scrutiny true identity remains elusive.