Mysterious London Sculpture Certified by Banksy, Netizens Interpret It as Critique of Blind Patriotism
British graffiti artist Banksy confirmed that a mysterious sculpture installed in central London, depicting a man holding a flag with his face obscured by it, is his work. The piece, interpreted by netizens as a critique of 'blind patriotism,' was clandestinely placed overnight and has been welcomed by local authorities.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 21:40
- 🔍 Collected: May 1, 2026 at 22:02 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 2, 2026 at 00:42 (2h 40m after Collected)
Central News
(Central News Agency, London, May 30, Comprehensive foreign news) British graffiti master Banksy confirmed that a sculpture in central London depicting a man holding a flag with his face entangled and obscured by the flag is indeed his work. The figure in the sculpture has his left foot stepping off the base and suspended in the air, creating a feeling of not being able to see what's ahead and potentially falling at any moment.
Reuters reported that the sculpture stands on a pedestal near The Mall, built in London specifically for major ceremonies. According to a video released by Banksy on Instagram, the signed sculpture was transported by a low-loader trailer and quietly put in place late at night.
The sculpture is placed in the city center near Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings, as well as many gentlemen's clubs, echoing landmarks such as the equestrian statue of King Edward VII, the Florence Nightingale memorial, and the Sidney Herbert statue nearby.
Many netizens commented on Banksy's Instagram page discussing the work, speculating that it is an allegory for "blind patriotism," and also wondering how he managed to complete this artistic action in the heart of British power.
A spokesperson for Banksy briefly told Agence France-Presse: "The artist unveiled this unsolicited sculpture sometime early yesterday morning... The work is installed on the central median of Pall Mall, where Banksy said there was 'a bit of a gap' right there."
A spokesperson for Westminster Council, where the sculpture is located, stated in a press release: "We are delighted to see Banksy's latest sculpture... adding another highlight to the city's diverse public art." The council also emphasized that it has "taken preliminary steps to protect this sculpture," and currently "the sculpture will remain open for public viewing." (Translated by Ho Hung-ju) 1150501
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(Central News Agency, London, May 30, Comprehensive foreign news) British graffiti master Banksy confirmed that a sculpture in central London depicting a man holding a flag with his face entangled and obscured by the flag is indeed his work. The figure in the sculpture has his left foot stepping off the base and suspended in the air, creating a feeling of not being able to see what's ahead and potentially falling at any moment.
Reuters reported that the sculpture stands on a pedestal near The Mall, built in London specifically for major ceremonies. According to a video released by Banksy on Instagram, the signed sculpture was transported by a low-loader trailer and quietly put in place late at night.
The sculpture is placed in the city center near Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings, as well as many gentlemen's clubs, echoing landmarks such as the equestrian statue of King Edward VII, the Florence Nightingale memorial, and the Sidney Herbert statue nearby.
Many netizens commented on Banksy's Instagram page discussing the work, speculating that it is an allegory for "blind patriotism," and also wondering how he managed to complete this artistic action in the heart of British power.
A spokesperson for Banksy briefly told Agence France-Presse: "The artist unveiled this unsolicited sculpture sometime early yesterday morning... The work is installed on the central median of Pall Mall, where Banksy said there was 'a bit of a gap' right there."
A spokesperson for Westminster Council, where the sculpture is located, stated in a press release: "We are delighted to see Banksy's latest sculpture... adding another highlight to the city's diverse public art." The council also emphasized that it has "taken preliminary steps to protect this sculpture," and currently "the sculpture will remain open for public viewing." (Translated by Ho Hung-ju) 1150501
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" app to instantly grasp the latest information.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.