Banksy's 'The Migrant Child' Framed and Restored for Venice Biennale
Banksy's 2019 graffiti 'The Migrant Child,' originally painted on a ruined palace wall in Venice as a protest, has been framed and restored by the Italian government for display during the Venice Biennale. The work is now being exhibited itinerantly along the lagoon canals, sparking debate over the tension between art, protest, and commodification. The piece originally criticized migration policies, and its institutional framing has surprised the art community. This move comes shortly after Banksy unveiled a sculptural installation in central London and a graffiti at the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2023, which depicted a judge attacking a protester to denounce arrests during genocide protests.
Key facts
- Banksy painted 'The Migrant Child' on a ruined palace wall in Venice in 2019.
- The work was originally a protest against migration policies.
- The Italian government has framed and restored the graffiti for the Venice Biennale.
- The piece is now displayed itinerantly along Venice's lagoon canals.
- The framing has sparked debate about commodification of protest art.
- Banksy recently installed a sculptural work in central London.
- In September 2023, Banksy created a graffiti at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
- That graffiti showed a judge attacking a protester, criticizing arrests during genocide protests.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
Institutions
- Italian Government
- Venice Biennale
- Royal Courts of Justice
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- London
- United Kingdom