Unclaimed Banksy Stencil Appears in Venice During Biennale Preview

A new stencil work attributed to Banksy appeared on a wall above a canal in Venice's Dorsoduro district during the preview days of the 2019 Venice Biennale. The piece, created four nights ago between Thursday and Friday morning, depicts a child wearing a life jacket and holding a signal flare, standing in water. It is located near Campo Santa Margherita, visible from a bridge next to Farmacia Santa Margherita. The work has not been claimed by Banksy but is consistent with his style. The artist's previous self-destructing painting at Sotheby's is contrasted with this unnoticed intervention, highlighting the role of media attention in art's visibility. The piece addresses themes of immigration, geopolitical crisis, and the contemporary art system's quality. Artribune reported the discovery on May 10, 2019.