Banksy Tube Graffiti Case

Overview

• Incident Date: July 15, 2020
• Location: London Underground train, Circle Line service carriage
• Artist: Banksy, renowned street artist
• Artwork Title: "If You Don't Mask, You Don't Get"
• Medium: Spray paint

Key Events

• Banksy created graffiti inside a train carriage using stencils, disguised as a cleaner.
• The artwork featured Banksy’s tag with elements like medical face masks.
• Transport for London (TfL) cleaning crews removed the artwork before Banksy revealed it on his Instagram account.
• Cleaners were unaware of the artwork's origin and treated it like regular graffiti.

Reactions and Analysis

• Transport for London (TfL): Adheres to a strict anti-graffiti policy.
  • Consider graffiti as potentially contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere.
  • Stated the piece was removed to keep the network clean, especially under current conditions (COVID-19 pandemic).
  • Expressed interest in discussing a suitable location for Banksy to create a new piece, aligning with public transport’s messaging.
• Public Sentiment:
  • Mixed reactions regarding graffiti; some view it as art deserving protection, others see it as vandalism.
  • The artwork was likely designed to promote mask-wearing amidst the pandemic.

Additional Context

• Banksy’s Intent: The removal might have been anticipated by Banksy, known for deliberately impermanent art.
  • Reference to Banksy's previous art destruction (e.g., self-destructing artwork after auction).

Notable References

• Related incidents of mask-themed Banksy artworks.
• Invitation for Banksy to create another public health message on a more suitable platform.