Banksy rumours swirl around "Blinding Patriotism" installation in London

A mysterious new statue that appeared overnight in central London has sparked excitement and debate in the art world, with many speculating it could be the latest work by the elusive street artist Banksy.

The sculpture, surpassing 7 metres in height, installed in the historic St James’s area within the City of Westminster, depicts an oversized figure stepping forward from a pedestal as if into the void, clutching a large flag that blows across its face.

The name “Banksy” is scrawled on the back of the plinth, fuelling widespread speculation about its authorship, as British media point out.

Crowds gathered along Waterloo Place on the morning of April 30 to view the artwork, with many stopping to take photos. Banksy has a long history of surprising the public with unannounced installations in the UK capital, though he typically confirms his works by posting them temporarily on Instagram—something he had not done in this case as of midday.

The artist’s identity remains one of the art world’s enduring mysteries. His works regularly sell for millions, and while there has been mounting speculation that he may be the English artist by the name of Robin Gunningham from Bristol, this has never been confirmed.

Known for sharp political commentary, Banksy’s pieces often carry deeper messages, and the Westminster statue has already been interpreted by some as a warning against blinding patriotism.

The presence of a signature is unusual, as Banksy does not typically sign his work. Still, experts point out, the statue’s provocative style aligns with his well-known stencil pieces, which often deliver pointed social and political critiques before being removed or altered.

It was back in December that the world discovered Banksy's latest piece, when he confirmed being behind a mural in Bayswater showing two figures—one lying on the ground in a beanie and boots, and another pointing toward the sky—continuing his tradition of evocative, open-ended imagery.

Now one of the world’s most famous street artists, Banksy has repeatedly captured global attention, not least in 2018 when his iconic artwork Girl with Balloon partially shredded itself moments after selling for £1,042,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The altered piece, renamed Love is in the Bin, later sold for £18,582,000, cementing his reputation for blending art, spectacle, and commentary.

By Nazrin Sadigova