Where to see Banksy in London 2024

"Graffiti = vandalism. Because it involves drawing with paint or spray paint without permission, it has been considered both a nuisance and an illegal act. As a result, much of this art is created discreetly, often late at night, and most artists operate in anonymity.

One artist who played a significant role in popularizing graffiti, especially in the UK (Bristol?), is the masked artist Banksy. His true identity remains undisclosed, but he continues to send messages with satirical and ironic commentary on society."。

In some areas, London sees a lot of building demolitions. Even if a building is left standing, fragile artworks may get overwritten or tagged over, and it's uncertain how long they will remain visible. What I'm introducing today are artworks that can be seen as of November 2023. I actually went to check them out! If, by any chance, you couldn't see them when you visited, please understand.

Extinction Rebellion　2019年

📍Marble Arch 

An image of a child with the emblem of an environmental activist organization is depicted, along with small plants planted in the ground, and the words 'From this moment, despair ends, and the battle begins' are inscribed. Right next to the Marble Arch triumphal arch.

I love Robbo Rat　2004年　

📍39 Chiswell Street, Islington

The original placard originally read 'London doesn't work,' but it has been rewritten. Banksy's rat is one of his most well-known and popular works.

Guard Dog 2003年

📍 81 Rivington Street, Shoreditch

One of Banksy's earliest works. It is located in the courtyard of the nightclub 'Cargo.' 'Guard Dog' satirizes the police and authority, depicting the image of patrolling officers with poodles in a designated graffiti area.

His Master's Voice

Also known as the HMV dog. It features a dog aiming a bazooka. Banksy's anti-establishment attitude is always rooted in references to counter-culture music genres.

Basquiat mural　2017年

📍 junction of Golden Lane and Beech Street by the Barbican’s car park

This was created in close proximity to the first major exhibition of the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat held at the Barbican Centre. It depicts the events of that time. Figures from Basquiat's work 'Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump' undergo a body check by two police officers, under the watchful eye of his dog.

Ferris Wheel　2017年

Opposite the previous Basquiat mural, there is a depiction of a Ferris wheel with Basquiat's characteristic crown motif and the accompanying queue.

The Painter - The Graffiti Artist or Velazquez　2008年

📍Portobello Rd x Acklam Rd, on the wall of The Grand restaurant 

Located along Portobello Market in Notting Hill, this graffiti has been cited as a significant selling point for the development of luxury residential neighborhoods in the vicinity. It depicts an artist with an easel and brush painting Banksy's 'tag.'

Along the street, there is the Acklam Food Market, and it's hardly visible when stalls are set up. Instead, you can enjoy tea on the restaurant terraces right next to the mural.