Banksy Unveils Anti-Imperialist Sculpture in Central London
So, on April 29, 2026, a video popped up on Instagram showing that Banksy has set up a bold sculpture at Waterloo Place in Central London. The piece depicts a man in a suit stepping down from a pedestal, with a flag covering his face. Many see this as a critique of nationalism. To prove it was really his work, Banksy signed the base. The installation happened quietly early that Wednesday morning, right near monuments dedicated to the British Empire, like the statues of King Edward VII and Florence Nightingale. In the video, someone can be heard saying, "I don't like it," while looking at the older statues, highlighting the artwork's commentary on blind patriotism.
Key facts
- Banksy confirmed the sculpture on Instagram on April 29, 2026.
- The statue is located at Waterloo Place in Central London.
- It depicts a man in a suit walking off a plinth with a flag covering his face.
- Banksy scratched his signature on the statue's base.
- The installation occurred covertly in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29.
- Nearby monuments include King Edward VII, Florence Nightingale, and the Crimean War Memorial.
- A passerby in the video says, 'I don't like it,' referring to the statue.
- The artwork is interpreted as anti-imperialist, critiquing nationalism.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
Institutions
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Waterloo Place
- Central London
- London
- United Kingdom