Banksy’s latest artwork highlights homelessness in a poignantly seasonal way
The street artist, Banksy, is known for his commentary on the state of society, with images that call out such things as homophobia, greed and the danger of the nuclear arms race.
His latest piece, on Vyse Street in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, depicts flying reindeer in a harness – so far, so Christmasy – but they appear to be pulling a bench which is used as a bed by the homeless.
Banksy posted this clip to his Instagram account.
He wrote:
God bless Birmingham.
In the 20 minutes we filmed Ryan on this bench passers-by gave him a hot drink, two chocolate bars and a lighter – without him ever asking for anything.
Here are a few things people said about it.
Oh #Banksy, you genius https://t.co/xLJBZu4oFx
— Benny Allen (@benlen) December 9, 2019
Banksy nails it again https://t.co/Obo3GRnxAr
— Nige Ⓥ vote Labour (@nigestweets) December 9, 2019
Brum's going mad for the new Banksy, people getting their photo taken on 'Ryan's' bench in their hundreds. Let's not forget this is about highlighting homelessness, if you pose on the bench, please donate to a relevant charity too💔 https://t.co/XBHlfrtvbC
— Rachel New (@Rachel_New) December 9, 2019
Artist @christhebarker had his own commentary on homelessness to add.
— christhebarker coveringbrexit.com (@christhebarker) December 9, 2019
Before the piece had even been on the wall for a day, this happened:
Image: Darren Hawkins
The mystery “artist” appeared with a can of red paint, asking onlookers “Shall I tag it?” before Rudolphifying the mural and running away. It’s quite possible that Banksy would approve, but the watching crowd weren’t happy, according to the Birmingham Mail.
Ironically, any homeless people now hoping for a rest on the bench will have to wait for the sightseers to stop posing on it.
