Street artist Banksy confirmed Thursday that a newly appeared statue in central London is his own work [1, 2].
The installation marks a return to the public eye for the artist, whose anonymous nature often turns urban spaces into global galleries. By placing the work in a high-traffic area of the capital, Banksy continues his practice of using public infrastructure to challenge political and social norms.
The statue, which first appeared on Wednesday, depicts a man in a suit whose face is entirely covered by a flag [1, 2, 3]. The piece was installed at Waterloo Place in central London [2, 3]. According to reports, the work is intended to satirize the concept of blind patriotism [4].
Banksy typically confirms his works through his official channels to avoid confusion with copycats. In a statement released via his team, Banksy said, "There was a bit of a gap" [3].
The placement of the figure in a suit suggests a critique of institutional power and the way national identity can obscure individual vision or morality. The use of a flag as a blindfold transforms a symbol of national pride into a tool of obstruction.
Passersby and art critics have gathered at Waterloo Place since the statue's appearance earlier this week. The sudden arrival of the piece follows the artist's established pattern of guerrilla installations that bypass traditional museum or gallery curation.
“The work satirises blind patriotism”
This installation reinforces Banksy's role as a political provocateur rather than just a street artist. By targeting the intersection of corporate attire and national symbolism in the heart of London, the work prompts a public dialogue on how nationalism can be used to mask systemic issues or blind citizens to political realities.
