Banksy has confirmed that he is behind a large statue that mysteriously appeared in the heart of London depicting a suited man marching off a pedestal with a flag smothering his face.
The enigmatic artist took credit for the work in a humorous video, posted to his Instagram page Thursday, which showed workers erecting the statue under the cover of night.
The seemingly satirical monument, which bears Banksy’s signature on its plinth, has been drawing crowds to London’s Waterloo Place since it popped up in the early hours of Wednesday morning. An apparent commentary on the idea of blind patriotism, it stands among statues of important British historical figures including King Edward VII and Captain Scott.
The video posted to Banksy’s Instagram Thursday shows an older gentleman walking up to the sculpture saying, “I don’t like it.” But many commentors on social media reacted positively to the new work. “A compelling statement on collective blindness – forward motion without vision, without preparation,” said one Instagram user.
“Really powerful,” the user added. “The flag carries no identity – no country, no allegiance – just a form, making the figure universal… and somehow still unmistakably directed.”
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