Art / banksy
Banksy pays tribute to NHS in new artwork
A new Banksy artwork has appeared at Southampton General Hospital.
Unlike most of the Bristol artist’s oeuvre, the framed piece was hung in full collaboration with the authorities.
It shows a young boy kneeling by a wastepaper basket dressed in dungarees and a T-shirt holding a nurse in place of a superhero.
is needed now More than ever
Banksy left a note for hospital workers, which read: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”
The painting will remain in a foyer near the hospital’s emergency department until the autumn, when it will be auctioned to raise money for the NHS.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_2o3A5JJ3O/
Paula Head, CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends.
“The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honour.”
She added: “It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital, as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art. It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital.”
The piece is Banksy’s second work during the coronavirus pandemic, with a photo published on Instagram in April showing his trademark rats running riot in a bathroom.
A giant face mask was also recently added to his Girl With a Pierced Eardrum mural in Spike Island.
Main photo: Banksy / Instagram
Read more: New face mask for Banksy mural
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