New Banksy art labeled by London Police as ‘criminal damage’

Banksy unveiled a new collection of animal-themed artworks across London, including a goat, elephants, fish, piranhas, a wolf, pelicans, and a cat.

Banksy confirmed painting swimming piranhas on a City of London Police sentry box on Ludgate Hill, transforming it into an aquarium-like artwork.

The new artworks were announced on Banksy’s Instagram account on a Sunday afternoon, marking the seventh new artwork in London in a week, as part of a recent series of animal-themed pieces consistent with the artist’s previous works.

Banksy’s cat design in Cricklewood and wolf painting in Peckham were removed by contractors and thieves, respectively.

The City of London Police labeled the fish artwork as “criminal damage” and are collaborating with the City of London Corporation to explore options to preserve the new artwork, raising concerns about graffiti and public art.

Banksy’s support organization, Pest Control Office, stated that the intention behind the animal murals is to bring cheer to the public during dark times, highlighting the human capacity for play.

The fish artwork on Ludgate Hill attracted attention, with a local resident finding it charming and subtle.

Crowds gathered to take photos of the artwork until barriers were installed to prevent people from going inside.

Sources: BBC, The Guardian, Sky News, The Sun, Yahoo News, Independent.ie, Jang, Evening Standard, LADbible, Channel News Asia, The Mirror, Bristol Post, ARTnews, Market Research Telecast, The Telegraph, Belfast Telegraph