Banksy has claimed a new mural that has popped up in London, leaving locals proud.
The famed anonymous artist used a blank wall behind a bare tree as his canvas, splashing green paint to create the illusion of foliage.
Next to the the faux greenery, there’s a stencil of a person holding a spraying device, which is dripping with green paint.
“When you step back it looks like the tree is bursting to life, but in a noticeably fake and synthetic way,” the creator of the BBC Radio 4 series The Banksy Story James Peak told the BBC.
“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.”
Banksy took credit for the mural by sharing before and after photos to his Instagram, without saying anything else.
The BBC also reported that Islington Council is aware of the newest Banksy piece, but it will not be removed.
The tree in front of the mural is reportedly about 40 to 50 years old and is in poor health.
Community embraces Banksy mural
The community of Islington is thrilled the artist chose the area for the backdrop of the piece.
Former Labour leader and current MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn shared photos of the mural to social media.
“Banksy has come to Islington! What wonderful artwork, proving there is hope for our natural world everywhere,” he said.
Speaking to the Independent, the politician said the mural was a “good talking point”, that gives “a bit of hope and the idea that we’ve got to do a bit more to care for the natural world”.
Residents near the mural told PA news agency they were “proud and delighted” Banksy opted for the neighbourhood of Finsbury Park.
“Choosing the colours of our borough just makes it feel like a personal message to us residents. We just feel so proud,” said Wanja Sellers, who lives a few doors down from the mural, the Independent reported.
The public has embraced the Banksy mural. Photo: Getty
What to do now
Even before Banksy confirmed the work of art was his, there was much speculation he was behind it.
As it happens, the building the mural was painted on is up for rent and no one is residing in it.
The building is owned by Alex Georgiou’s company and he only found out about it late on Sunday night and the following morning.
He was among those who were there to marvel at it.
Real estate agent Alex Marks is trying to lease the property and he is stunned by the whole scenario.
“The question is, what do I do with it now? What am I meant to do with it now?” Marks said according to the Independent.
“I definitely plan on keeping it on there and letting people enjoy it. Everyone’s loving it, which is great. I just can’t really believe it still, to be honest.”
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