One of Banksy’s most recent creations is this mural depicting the EU Flag but with a twist. On the right hand side we see that one of the stars is being chipped away by a worker on a ladder. It’s clear to see that Banksy is actively critiquing Brexit. Displaying Britains exit from the EU. The chosen destination( as always with Banksy’s work) has strong connotations. Dover is a coastal destination in Britain ,famous for its white cliffs and host to ferries which take people across the sea to Europe. The artwork explains how Brexit will effect everything including easy travel between Europe.
Close up image taken from Banksy’s Official Instagram account.2017
If we look closer at the mural (picture above) we can see why Banksy has chosen this wall. The cracks stemming from the star that is being chipped away implies that due to Brexit its won’t be just Britain that suffers but, the whole of Europe. It demonstrates Banksy’s political stance against Brexit . He implies that leaving will not only cause damage to Britain but to every county in the EU and the cracks are evidently starting to show.
‘The European flag symbolises both the European Union and, more broadly, the identity and unity of Europe.It features a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background. They stand for the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity.'(The European flag, 2015). Banksy as an art activist, has visually discussed how the UK have destroyed everything the EU and the flag stands for.
Britain chose to Leave the EU after referendum was held on Thursday 23 June, 2016. Where 51.9% of the UK chose to leave with over 30 million people voting. The choice to leave is a destructive one as the EU was initially created after the Second World War with the idea that countries that trade together are less likely to go to war with one another.So what does this say to Europe and mean for The UK after leaving this economic and political partnership. Ultimately it looks like a slap in the face to all remaining 27 countries.
The original date for the UK to leave the EU was 29 March 2019. However due to the withdrawal agreement being rejected 3 times by British MP’s it has been delayed to the 31st of October 2019. Unless they come to an agreement before that date. Banksy’s piece seems to have foretold the falling apart of the UK Government through the crumbling of the Star. Will Britain ever accept a deal from the EU, only time will tell.
Bibliography
Ellis-Petersen, H. (2017, May 8). Banksy Brexit mural of man chipping away at EU flag appears in Dover. Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/may/07/banksy-brexit-mural-dover-eu-flag
KOPOTSHA, J. (2017, May 8). Unpicking Banksy’s Brexit Mural Of A Man Chiseling Away At The EU Flag. Retrieved from GRAZIA: https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/banksy-brexit-mural-dover/
Morris, B. W. (2019, May 10). Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. Retrieved from BBC NEWS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32810887
The European flag. (2015). Retrieved from European Union: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/symbols/flag_en
Tara Burrowes: SAB935 CREATIVE DISSENT 