Rome, 18 December 2024 – A few days before the Christmas holidays we witness the Banksy’s return with a new work, one suffering Madonna with Child which the artist shared on his Instagram profile. Many web users have read an immediate reference to the painful events that the country is experiencing people of Gaza, a very topical theme for Banksy, who in the past has already addressed the Palestinian issue through his art. But this work, capable of evoking the Nativity, becomes the symbol of all mothers and children at wara message about the conflicts still ongoing in many places around the world.
Banksy’s new work
Unmistakable in stile stencil which distinguishes the artist’s work, Banksy’s new Madonna and Child appears with her breast pierced by rusty metal. The hole belonging to the support on which the work is developed seems to be able to also evoke the shot of a bullet, next to the little one who is distressed and apparently incapable of feeding himself. As always, Banksy uses art to convey a message. In the Madonna and Child, the traditional elements of the sacred theme are intertwined with modern and provocative symbols.
The post on Banksy’s official Instagram profile appeared with only the image of the work and does not provide any indication of the work, nor information on how it should be interpreted. The work seems to recall the need for humanity and connection in an increasingly fragmented world. Today, the day we celebrate the International Migrants Daywe can reflect on the barriers that divide the world, preventing people, including the most vulnerable, children, from accessing medical care, nutrition and basic needs.
Where is Banksy’s work located?
Banksy’s Madonna and Child, shared by the artist on his Instagram account, could be on the wall of a building in the center of a city which, however, has not yet been identified. Some speculate that it is Bristol, his hometownwhile other reports come from London and Paris. Images of the work quickly spread on social media, with users and critics analyzing the meaning of the installation.
The message behind the image
Numerous commentators have drawn links between the apparent suffering of the mother with the child and the current war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in particular due to the ongoing humanitarian emergency among Palestinian civilians. Many have speculated that it could be a reference to the war in the Middle East because the baby appears to be suffering, almost worried about the impossibility of being breastfed.
It is not the first time that the artist (whose identity still no one knows today) has tried his hand at religious references. Already in 2003 he had presented Toxic Marya Madonna busy breastfeeding her child from a bottle marked with the skull and crossbones symbol.
The media impact
As happened with other creations by the artist, it remains to be seen whether the work will be protected by local authorities or whether it will fall victim of vandalism or removal. In fact, many of Banksy’s works have been removed and put up for auction, sparking debates on the appropriation of street art.
Banksy’s identity remains miraculously shrouded in mystery, which has helped the artist become one of the most iconic figures of thecontemporary art. Through his works, Banksy addresses current issues such as capitalism, war, climate change and social injustice. The Madonna and Child joins a repertoire that continues to amaze and make us reflect.
