British Street Artist Banksy Completes Animal-Themed Mural Series in London
British artist Banksy has finished his animal-themed series of murals in London, bringing a bit of life to the U.K. as it recovers from recent riots and protests.
Transcript
00:00This painting on the gate of the London Zoo depicts a gorilla and several other animals eager to escape.
00:06It's the grand finale in a series of animal-themed artworks produced over the past eight days by British street artist Banksy.
00:14London Zoo staff say they're excited to have the world-famous artist's work on their gate,
00:18and that despite what's taking place in the image, no gorillas have ever attempted the act.
00:23No, certainly haven't had a gorilla escape, so all the gorillas here are perfectly happy in their lovely home at Gorilla Kingdom.
00:30They've got air conditioning today whilst we're all out here sweating, I hasten to add, so the gorillas are having a great time.
00:37The series began with this mountain goat in London's Richmond neighbourhood,
00:41and has been followed by a number of others in different parts of the city.
00:45The artist has not commented on the meaning of the works, but some locals think the timing may not be a coincidence.
00:54The UK has recently seen its worst public unrest in a decade,
00:58with violent anti-immigration riots across the nation led by far-right groups,
01:03as well as large counter-protests against the rioters.
01:06And safety has been an issue with these artworks too.
01:09This howling wolf painted on a satellite dish was stolen in broad daylight within hours of its debut.
01:16This black cat painted on an empty billboard was quickly taken down by the sign's owner.
01:21He said he wanted to keep it safe and would donate it to a gallery.
01:25But most locals are just happy to see the artworks during such a fraught time.
01:30I came in person to say thank you to Banksy for acknowledging and recognising who we are as a community in Walthamstow,
01:36and that we wanted actively to stand together with our neighbours and tell those people who spread hatred and racism and islamophobia,
01:43they're not welcome here.
01:45It's just nice to have something that is internationally recognised near us,
01:49and I think as well with the marches that we had, it's an area that's so diverse, everyone showing real solidarity.
01:56It's nice that we've had this event this week.
01:59Whatever the artist's intentions,
02:01Banksy's new series seems to be bringing a little more life to the UK when it's most needed.
02:07Patrick Chen and Chris Goran for Taiwan Plus.