Banksy's London animal series concludes with surprising zoo mural

The elusive street artist, known for his thought-provoking and often politically charged works, concluded the series with a striking mural discovered on Tuesday.

An artwork by street artist Banksy, the ninth to released in nine days, depicts a gorilla releasing animals, on the front of a shutter outside London zoo, on August 13, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
An artwork by street artist Banksy, the ninth to released in nine days, depicts a gorilla releasing animals, on the front of a shutter outside London zoo, on August 13, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - After a captivating 10-day showcase across London, Banksy's enigmatic animal-themed art series reached its finale at the London Zoo.

The elusive street artist, known for his thought-provoking and often politically charged works, concluded the series with a striking mural discovered on Tuesday.

The final piece, unveiled early in the morning, depicts a gorilla lifting a gate while various animals, including a sea lion and a trio of curious eyes, are seen in the background.

This mural, discovered by zookeepers during their routine feed, stands as the last of a series that had captivated London's residents and art enthusiasts alike.

From August 5 to August 12, Banksy’s series included a variety of animal silhouettes painted across different locations in London.

The artworks featured a mountain goat precariously perched in west London, elephants engaging in an intimate trunk-touching moment in Chelsea, and a solitary howling wolf on a satellite dish that was quickly removed by unknown individuals.

Throughout the series, which also included pelicans decorating a fish and chip shop in northeast London, a big cat on a billboard in north London, and piranhas painted on a police guard post, the artist’s intentions sparked considerable debate.

Some viewers speculated that the animals symbolized broader themes such as the Israel-Palestine conflict or recent British riots, while others believed the series might be a commentary on human nature and the desire for ownership.

Banksy’s spokesperson has yet to comment, and the artist’s official channels have not provided new updates since the series ended.

Jasper Tordoff, a Banksy expert, suggested that while theories about a Noah's Ark theme initially seemed plausible, the unexpected appearance of the lone wolf undermined this idea. Tordoff noted that Banksy's recent works, though simple in execution, are crafted to bring joy amid challenging times.

The final mural at the zoo was quickly secured behind barriers and an acrylic shield, attracting a flurry of activity from passersby eager to photograph the piece.

Dan Simmonds, the zoo’s animal operations manager, expressed his astonishment, noting the artwork's impact on both London and the global art community.

This series, characterized by its use of stencils and spray paint, has not only entertained but also engaged the public in a broader dialogue about art and its role in contemporary society.

A photograph taken on August 5, 2024 shows a pedestrian taking a photograph of a stencilled Banksy artwork, depicting a mountain goat and falling rubble. (AFP)
A photograph taken on August 5, 2024 shows a pedestrian taking a photograph of a stencilled Banksy artwork, depicting a mountain goat and falling rubble. (AFP)
 A photograph taken on August 6, 2024, shows a Banksy artwork, depicting elephants, painted on the side of a building in west London. (AFP)
A photograph taken on August 6, 2024, shows a Banksy artwork, depicting elephants, painted on the side of a building in west London. (AFP)
An artwork by street artist Banksy, the third to be released in three days, depicting three monkeys, is pictured painted on the side of a railway bridge in east London on August 7, 2024. (AFP)
An artwork by street artist Banksy, the third to be released in three days, depicting three monkeys, is pictured painted on the side of a railway bridge in east London on August 7, 2024. (AFP)
A pedestrian walks past an artwork by street artist Banksy, the fifth to be released this week, depicting two pelicans catching fish. (AFP)
A pedestrian walks past an artwork by street artist Banksy, the fifth to be released this week, depicting two pelicans catching fish. (AFP)
A pedestrian stops to look at an artwork by street artist Banksy, the sixth to be released this week, depicting a big cat looking up toward a hole in a disused advertising billboard. (AFP)
A pedestrian stops to look at an artwork by street artist Banksy, the sixth to be released this week, depicting a big cat looking up toward a hole in a disused advertising billboard. (AFP)
A pedestrian stops to look at an artwork by street artist Banksy, the seventh to released this week, depicting fish swimming around a Police Box, in the City of London, on August 11, 2024. (AFP)
A pedestrian stops to look at an artwork by street artist Banksy, the seventh to released this week, depicting fish swimming around a Police Box, in the City of London, on August 11, 2024. (AFP)
An artwork by street artist Banksy, the eighth to released in eight days, depicts a rhino mounting a car, on a wall in Charlton, London, on August 12, 2024. (AFP)
An artwork by street artist Banksy, the eighth to released in eight days, depicts a rhino mounting a car, on a wall in Charlton, London, on August 12, 2024. (AFP)
People look at a new Banksy painting on a wall in London, Monday, March 18, 2024. A new Banksy mural drew crowds to a London street on Monday. (AP)
People look at a new Banksy painting on a wall in London, Monday, March 18, 2024. A new Banksy mural drew crowds to a London street on Monday. (AP)
People walk past a new artwork depicting a howling wolf unveiled by Banksy, painted on a satellite dish placed on a shop roof in Peckham, south London on Aug 8. (AP)
People walk past a new artwork depicting a howling wolf unveiled by Banksy, painted on a satellite dish placed on a shop roof in Peckham, south London on Aug 8. (AP)

 

 

This article has used information from Associated Press article.