Possible Banksy mural appears on Hove seafront
The appearance of a new artwork by Banksy on Hove beach has sparked debate over whether the anonymous artist is actually behind the work.
The artwork reportedly appeared on Monday near Palmeira Square, just a stone’s throw from the beach. It depicts a police officer caught spray-painting a love heart made of chains.
Previously hosted by Banksy expert James Peak The Story of Banksy He told the broadcaster on BBC Radio 4 that it would be impossible to confirm whether the mural was painted by the artist until the artist published it on his website or social media.
He added that although it is reminiscent of Banksy’s iconic work ‘Kissing Coppers’ from 2004, it may not be his own.
Locals stated that a police presence was detected around the work in images shared online, but it remains intact for now.
Commenting on social media, one Facebook user said: “This is a beautiful piece but definitely made by an amateur, smeared from stencils, no shading and not clear, I don’t know why you’re trying to say it’s Banksy and don’t give credit to the person who actually made it.”
It would mean a return to a more practical medium for the prolific British artist, who became famous for his politically themed graffiti murals.
In April, the anonymous creator installed a large sculpture in Waterloo Place in central London, not far from landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. It depicted a man in a suit holding a large flag that appeared to step down from the pedestal on which he stood, coming down towards his face and blocking his view.
The piece has been interpreted as a statement on British nationalism and imperialism, as it was deliberately placed near many important monuments of military history. Westminster Council allowed the sculpture to remain in situ and remain on public view, commenting at the time that it was “a striking addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene”.
In September last year, Banksy also sparked controversy with a mural sprayed on the wall of London’s Royal Courts of Justice, showing a judge beating a protester with his gavel. The artwork was unveiled at the height of the controversy over the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist group and the subsequent arrest of hundreds of activists for holding banners supporting the group.
It quickly disappeared from the walls of the field, leaving only a silhouette.
Banksy’s PR manager has been contacted for comment.
