A fleeting moment of wonder has already vanished from the streets of London. Just hours after Banksy confirmed a new mural, depicting two children gazing at the sky, workmen swiftly boarded it up in Bayswater.
The artwork, a signature monochrome piece showing children bundled in winter clothes, appeared overnight on an abandoned building in Queen’s Mews. Banksy revealed the image on his Instagram account, igniting the usual flurry of excitement and speculation.
But the story doesn’t end there. An almost identical stencil materialized near the bustling intersection of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street, a location chosen to capture the attention of Christmas shoppers. This second appearance has fueled a captivating mystery.
While Banksy has claimed responsibility for the Bayswater mural, the Tottenham Court Road version remains unconfirmed. Is it a playful echo, a deliberate duplication, or something more profound? Fans are left to decipher the artist’s intent.
The Tottenham Court Road piece, positioned beneath the Centre Point building, has undoubtedly been seen by far more people. It’s a bold statement in the heart of the city, a momentary escape amidst the holiday rush.
This isn’t the first politically charged artwork from the elusive artist this year. In September, a powerful image of a judge attacking a protester appeared on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice, sparking debate about freedom of expression and recent arrests related to Palestine Action protests.
The unusual proximity of these two new murals – barely two and a half miles apart – is raising eyebrows. Banksy rarely repeats himself so closely, adding another layer of intrigue to this unfolding urban art event.
The rapid boarding up of the Bayswater piece underscores the ephemeral nature of street art. These works are meant to be experienced in the moment, a fleeting gift to the public before they are altered, removed, or simply fade with time.
