Banksy Unveils New Mural in Marseille with Romantic Message
Banksy has returned with a new mural, his first since December 2024. The artwork features a stenciled lighthouse about 1.5 meters tall accompanied by the text 'I want to be what you saw in me' in English. The piece was revealed on his Instagram account without any description. The lighthouse appears to be projected onto a wall as a shadow from a street bollard, with the bollard's actual shadow also visible on the ground. While Banksy did not disclose the location, internet users have identified the mural as being in Marseille, specifically in the Le Panier district near the cathedral, based on the distinctive bollards visible on Google Maps. Le Panier is known for its street art, including works by Brazilian artist Nhobi Cerqueira and others. The romantic tone of the message is unusual for Banksy, whose previous December work 'Mother and child' was a political reinterpretation of the Madonna and child iconography.
Key facts
- Banksy released a new mural featuring a lighthouse and the text 'I want to be what you saw in me'.
- The artwork was posted on his Instagram on May 21, 2025, his first post since December 2024.
- The lighthouse is depicted as a shadow from a street bollard, with the bollard's real shadow also shown.
- The mural is believed to be in Marseille's Le Panier district, based on user reports and Google Maps.
- Le Panier is a historic neighborhood known for its street art, including works by Nhobi Cerqueira and Seek 313.
- Banksy's previous work 'Mother and child' was a political reinterpretation of the Madonna and child.
- The romantic message is an unusual choice for Banksy, who often focuses on political themes.
- The artist did not provide any description or location details in his Instagram post.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
- Nhobi Cerqueira
- Seek 313
Institutions
- Google Maps
Locations
- Marseille
- France
- Le Panier
- Bristol