Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

New mural near Finsbury Park: Is Banksy back?

The artwork features a mass of green paint behind a trimmed-back mature tree, creating the illusion of foliage.

New mural near Finsbury Park: Is Banksy back?

A new mural that mysteriously appeared overnight on the side of a building near Finsbury Park in London has sparked speculation that it may be the work of the elusive street artist Banksy.

The artwork features a mass of green paint behind a trimmed-back mature tree, creating the illusion of foliage. Adjacent to the tree is a stencil of a person holding a pressure hose, adding depth to the scene.


James Peak, known for creating the BBC Radio 4 series The Banksy Story, hastened to the location after receiving a tip-off about the mural.

Expressing his belief that it bears the distinctive style of Banksy, Peak commented, "To my mind it looks like a dead cert. But as ever with Banksy - you never quite know, until he fesses up by posting it on his website."

Banksy typically confirms his works by sharing pictures on his website and social media, a step that hasn't been taken yet for this particular artwork. Nevertheless, Peak, a documentary maker, pointed out that the mural exhibits classic Banksy traits. "The message is clear. Nature's struggling and it is up to us to help it grow back," he said.

Detailing the probable technique used in creating the mural, Peak suggested that a pressure hose or fire extinguisher was likely employed to spray the "leaves" onto the wall swiftly.

Additionally, he noted that the paint colour matches that used by Islington Council for signs in the local area, underscoring Banksy's meticulous attention to detail.

Commenting on the timing of the artwork's appearance, Peak highlighted its symbolism and says, "It's spring now, and this tree should be bursting forth with leaves, but Banksy must have cycled past and thought how miserable it looks."

He further emphasised that the artist chose St. Patrick's Day to incorporate the same shade of green used by the council for street signs.

During his visit to the mural, Peak encountered Islington councillor Flora Williamson, who later shared her excitement on Twitter. "But by far the most exciting thing to happen on todays canvass session on hornsey road was seeing that Banksy had come to Tollington over night. Lots of local interest - I’m a fan of it," she wrote.

Reflecting on past instances where Banksy's artworks appeared, Peak highlighted the "Banksy effect," where communities experience a surge in interest and visitors following the unveiling of a new mural.

Locals have already taken to social media to share their reactions to the Finsbury Park mural, with some expressing pride and anticipation, while others humorously speculate about the impact on rent prices.

The sudden appearance of this intriguing mural has once again ignited the ongoing speculation surrounding Banksy's identity and artistic interventions, leaving both art enthusiasts and curious passersby captivated by its enigmatic charm.

More For You

Russell brand

Sexual offences said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005

Getty

Russell Brand faces rape and sexual assault charges involving 4 women

Russell Brand has been formally charged with a series of sexual offences said to have taken place between 1999 and 2005. The comedian and actor faces allegations from four separate women, with the charges including rape, indecent assault, oral rape and further counts of sexual assault.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday that Brand has been informed of the charges. A statement from the force said he is to be charged with one count of rape in the Bournemouth area in 1999, one count of indecent assault in Westminster in 2001, one count of oral rape and an additional sexual assault in Westminster in 2004, and a further count of sexual assault in Westminster between 2004 and 2005.

Keep ReadingShow less
indian-parliament

In the Rajya Sabha, 128 members voted in favour, and 95 opposed it. In the Lok Sabha, 288 MPs supported the bill, while 232 voted against it.

Gatty images

Indian parliament passes the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill

INDIAN parliament has passed a controversial bill seeking to change the way Muslim charitable properties, known as waqf, are managed.

The bill was cleared after hours of heated debate, with the government saying it would bring transparency and the opposition alleging that it targets the Muslim community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Blood donor recruitment event for South Asian community

FILE PHOTO: A nurse prepares a man for a blood donation in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Blood donor recruitment event for South Asian community

THE NHS is holding a blood donor recruitment event at Shepherd's Bush blood donor centre on Saturday (5) to attract South Asian donors to help treat health conditions affecting their community.

South Asian donors are needed to treat thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder which affects people of Mediterranean, south Asian, southeast Asian and Middle Eastern origin. People with thalassemia produce too little or no haemoglobin, causing anaemia, fatigue, breathing issues and other symptoms.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi Yunus

The meeting took place on the sidelines of a regional summit in Thailand. (Photo: X/@ChiefAdviserGoB)

Modi meets Yunus for first talks since Hasina's exit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi held talks with Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok on Friday.

This was their first meeting since former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
US tourist arrested for entering North Sentinel Island

Authorities continue to investigate Polyakov’s actions

Youtube/ Neo-Orientalist

US tourist arrested for entering North Sentinel Island, home to Andaman tribe with no outside contact

Indian police have arrested a 24-year-old American tourist, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, one of the most protected and isolated regions in the world. The remote island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, is home to the Sentinelese tribe, who reject all contact with outsiders and are safeguarded by Indian law.

Polyakov reportedly attempted to make contact with the Sentinelese by offering a coconut and a can of Diet Coke. He used a motorised inflatable boat to reach North Sentinel Island, where he spent a few minutes onshore before returning to his vessel. Authorities confirmed that he collected sand samples and filmed his brief landing using a GoPro camera.

Keep ReadingShow less