Banksy confirms Ukrainian murals are his with Instagram post
Banksy has ended a nearly two-year silence by claiming a new mural in Borodyanka, Ukraine, via Instagram. The work depicts a gymnast balancing on rubble of a devastated building. This confirmation follows days of speculation after multiple murals appeared in Ukrainian cities, documented by photographer Ed Ram. Other works include children playing near an anti-tank obstacle, athletes amid damaged buildings in Hostomel near Antonov Airport, a woman in a gas mask holding a fire extinguisher, and a judoka pinning an adult—possibly referencing Ukraine's struggle against Russia or Putin's suspension from the International Judo Federation.
Key facts
- Banksy posted a mural of a gymnast on rubble in Borodyanka on Instagram.
- The post ends a nearly two-year silence from the artist.
- Photographer Ed Ram tracked the murals across Ukraine.
- Murals appeared in multiple cities including Hostomel near Antonov Airport.
- One mural shows a judoka defeating an adult, possibly alluding to Putin.
- The works are in Banksy's recognizable figurative style.
- Borodyanka is a town in the Kyiv region heavily damaged by war.
- The murals have circulated widely on social media.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
Institutions
- International Judo Federation
Locations
- Borodyanka
- Ukraine
- Kyiv
- Hostomel
- Antonov Airport
- Russia