New Banksy artwork on court in London already covered up after being discovered this morning
Banksy has made his return to England but it seemingly wasn't a welcome one as his new artwork was covered up shortly after its discovery.
The renowned public figure, whose identity remains a mystery despite some people thinking a BBC documentary exposed him, has become famous thanks to his incredible spray painting skills and artistic talents, which often have a significant meaning.
He memorably saw a painting shredded shortly after it was purchased for £1 million, while he also dotted animals around London in the midst of the riots last year, with many suggesting that they had a hidden heartwarming meaning.
Banksy came back to the capital recently to spray a new piece on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice building, with images of the artwork showing it depicts a judge attacking a protestor with a gavel.
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The artist took to Instagram to confirm it as authentic, and while the meaning remains unconfirmed, it comes shortly after almost 900 people were arrested at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action.
It is perhaps his most impressive work yet, when you consider that his anonymity stems from wanting to avoid arrest, and to spray paint on the side of a court is most certainly asking for trouble, especially with all the likely security in the area.
However, officials were seemingly quick to act, as it has since been concealed by large sheets of black plastic and two metal barriers.
Banksy's former manager Steve Lazarides has previously opened up about why the artist is so keen for to remain unknown, despite his work now deemed to be worth millions.
He said: "The anonymity was a big thing, it started off with self-preservation in Bristol. He didn’t want to get caught, he didn’t want to go to jail, fair enough.
"And then as the years went by and it went on for longer, I think that the anonymity became quite a disease. Everyone has this figure in their mind, they have a folk hero, and it looks different in everybody’s mind. He’s never really got to enjoy the fame he got."
Banksy's Instagram page certainly doesn't suggest that he's landed himself in any trouble for his latest painting, although it was rumoured that he could be named in a court case a couple of years ago.
If you wanted to spot this particular artwork, it seems as if you're out of luck, but fortunately the artist has plenty of other works that you can spot on streets across the UK, as well as in museums or galleries across the world.
James Moorhouse