Banksy’s latest artwork is inspired by the death of George Floyd.
The prolific street artist posted the new piece to Instagram today (June 6), with a message that reads: “At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It’s not their problem. It’s mine.
“People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system. Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. This faulty system is making their life a misery, but it’s not their job to fix it. They can’t – no-one will let them in the apartment upstairs.
He goes on to say: “This is a white problem. And if white people don’t fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in.”
George Floyd died after having his neck crushed under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. In the days following this brutal incident, there have been masses of protests around the world, London included. Just today, hundreds gathered in Parliament Square to protest racial inequality and the treatment of black citizens.
Banksy’s powerful artwork shows scenes of a vigil for a member of the black community, with a candle burning an American flag.
The anonymous artist has been busy during lockdown: first creating a masterpiece in his bathroom, followed by a lovely piece dedicated to NHS workers.