Banksy apparently immortalized himself in Ukraine. On his Instagram channel, the mysterious street artist posted Friday night photos of a work on a destroyed house, which is said to have been made in the heavily destroyed Kiev suburb of Borodyanka. In the photo, a girl stands on the gray wall of a war-damaged house, apparently doing a handstand on rubble. “Borodjanka, Ukraine” reads the accompanying text.
The publication on his Instagram channel has traditionally been seen as a sign that British-born Banksy is confirming a work like his. Borodyanka, northwest of the capital Kiev, was taken by Russian troops on February 24 shortly after the outbreak of war. In April, Ukrainian units managed to liberate the settlement. Ukraine accuses Russian troops of “mass atrocities” such as murder, kidnapping, torture and rape in the suburb, as well as in Bucha, Hostomel and Irpin.
Banksy may have left several works in Ukraine
So far, Banksy has only committed to that one picture in Ukraine. However, British media speculate that he may have left other works in the country. In Borodjanka, for example, a wall depicts a young boy throwing an adult man to the ground while he is doing judo – apparently an allusion to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is an avid judoka.
A rhythmic gymnast wearing a neck brace and holding a ribbon dances across a hole in a wall in the Kyiv suburb of Irpin. A fourth work, similar to Banksy’s signature spray-painting style, shows two children in Kiev using a metal tank trap as a see-saw.
Banksy known for socially critical works
The famous street artist has also traveled to crisis areas, including the West Bank, in the past. He is also committed to refugees and financed, among other things, a ship for rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Many works are socially critical.
Banksy’s identity and age remain unknown. When the British University for the Creative Arts awarded him an honorary professorship, the chair remained empty. The only thing that is fairly certain is that he comes from the western English city of Bristol. His works fetch millions at auctions. However, he repeatedly criticizes the traditional art world with museums and galleries.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
