HAS Banksy struck in Rugby?
An Observer reader spotted the pictured mural yesterday evening (Monday February 12) at the former Rugby Hand Car Wash in Newbold Road.
Terry Brown said: “I spotted what looked like a person crouched down in the car park. As I got closer it appeared to be a spray painting which looks to me like it could quite possibly be a Banksy!”
Banksy is an anonymous England-based graffiti artist whose satirical street art, executed in a distinctive stenciling technique, has appeared throughout the world.
He is believed to be 45-year-old Robin Gunningham, several of whose associates and former schoolmates have corroborated the rumour. In 2016, a study found that the incidence of Banksy’s works correlated with the known movements of Gunningham.
There are also long-running rumours that he is 52-year-old Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D, a member of the band Massive Attack. Journalist Craig Williams carried out a five-month investigation which led him to conclude that Del Naja was the ringleader behind a collective of artists operating under the Banksy moniker.
He noted how Banksy’s work tended to crop up in locations where Massive Attack had recently, or were set to, perform – which would put paid to the idea that Banksy has been in Rugby, as Massive Attack are currently on tour in France.
A message sent to Banksy’s email address has not yet received a response.
No members of the mysterious ‘Pink Bow Mob’ have claimed responsibility!
