St Paul’s installation covered in graffiti by other protesters
The new sculptural work by Banksy the Bristol born graffiti artist installed at the St Paul’s Cathedral, Occupy London camp has been vandalised. It was unveiled two days ago in solidarity with the world wide Anti-Greed protest that has taken over ‘The City’. The elusive politically pro-activist artist has designed a 3 dimensional adaptation of a Monopoly Board with Mr Moneybags portrayed as a down and out panhandler. There are large scale models of playing pieces, including a sports car (to represent bankers) and a red plastic house with a Tox tag sprayed onto it. This is a reference to the jailed London Graffiti artist TOX and also a visual play on the toxic morgages that kick started the current recession. The work of art is valued at over £400,000 and has already become a tourist attraction.
The downside of leaving this amazing work of art in the middle of the grounds of St Paul’s unprotected, is that other protesters have drawn graffiti all over the sculpture to highlight their own particular brand of causes.
Banksy has never been concerned with creating lasting or permanent works of art. Many of his best known pieces have been painted over by local councils, stolen by thieves or worst, stolen by art dealers! The thousands of photos of this work will have to suffice to save this masterpiece of political satire for posterity. This is a definitive example of Banksy and perhaps one of the best pieces he has ever created.
Banksy’s work typically includes satirical social and political commentary, and ranges from murals to sculpture and installation, often playing with the contextual aspects of the work. The artist’s first solo show was held in 2002 at Los Angeles’ 33 1/3 Gallery. He went on to have a major exhibition at the Bristol Museum in 2009 and has achieved auction prices topping £700,000 for a single work. Photo/Article ©ArtLyst 2011 Read More
Watch the video as Mr Moneybags will be gone in a few days.