Bansky’s cat artwork removed as Urban Jungle project transforms London
On August 10, 2024, the London art scene experienced another turbulent moment surrounding the highly acclaimed and enigmatic street artist Banksy. Shortly after his latest mural – the captivating silhouette of a stretching cat – was unveiled on Edgware Road in Cricklewood, it was removed by contractors, leaving crowds surprised and disheartened.
This latest artwork is the sixth work that Banksy has unveiled in just six days. Each piece seems to be a lively commentary on London’s urban art and perhaps a humorous critique of modern streetscapes. The elusive artist confirmed his authorship via his widely followed Instagram account and posted the work without further comment.
The cat motif, with its luxuriantly curved tail and gracefully stretched body, caught the attention of local residents and art lovers. Among the first to see the mural was 53-year-old Simon Stephenson, who was on his way to the supermarket when the artwork caught his eye. “I knew straight away it was him. No one was paying attention. It could be priceless and they just see it as rubbish,” he remarked. His words echoed the feelings of many who felt cheated out of the experience.
Just hours later, three contractors arrived on site to dismantle the mural, which was scheduled to be removed for safety reasons. One contractor, who only wanted to be identified as Marc, explained the early removal was done to avoid potential safety hazards before the billboard was originally scheduled to be torn down. He echoed the crowd’s sentiments, expressing their frustration: “We’re going to store the artwork to see if anyone picks it up, but if not, it’s probably going to go to waste.”
The swift removal sparked genuine outrage from onlookers, with many booing the developers. Members of the local community lamented the missed opportunity to enjoy this unexpected contribution to their neighbourhood. “This is Cricklewood, this is our Banksy. You can’t even enjoy it all day before someone wants to take it down,” said Carol Reeman, chair of the NorthWestTwo Residents Association.
To add to the excitement, numerous animal-themed murals have appeared across London over the past week. The first was a mountain goat near Kew Bridge, followed by two elephants that appeared to be interacting with each other on a wall near Chelsea, and three monkeys swinging above Brick Lane. Each artwork seemingly invites passersby to interact and contemplate, adding to the appeal of the urban environment.
Following the cat, the pieces have already caused a great deal of excitement among fans and collectors, leading to speculation about their meaning. The overarching theme – playing with the concept of urban wildlife – could be interpreted as Banksy’s nod to the often hidden life that flourishes amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. One can imagine the artist’s ideals behind this whimsical approach: to bring joy and verve to everyday situations and spaces.
While there is wild speculation about the artistic meaning of this new series of murals, Banksy’s representatives have urged the public not to over-analyze. Their stance suggests that the mission of this urban jungle initiative is primarily to inspire joy, rather than deep philosophical reflection. It seems that Banksy aims to make his art accessible and remind us of the importance of creative play, not destruction.
The cat mural wasn’t the only piece of art to be taken away far too soon recently. Just days earlier, another work – a howling wolf that adorned the roof of Peckham – was taken down by three men who allegedly used ladders to steal the satellite dish the wolf was painted on. According to local reports, the satellite dish was removed within hours of its unveiling, and witnesses even reported that the thieves became aggressive when confronted. A wave of disappointment swept over art lovers as yet another Banksy work was taken away before it could be fully enjoyed by the public.
During a very busy week for street art, excitement outweighed disappointment. Each new Banksy work sparked meaningful conversations about the accessibility of art and the ephemeral nature of street art. Interactions between local residents, art lovers and curious tourists hinted at the larger narratives surrounding public art and its relationship to community identity.
Local residents have shared their experiences of discovering these murals and gathered en masse to appreciate Banksy’s contribution to their landscapes. The thrill of the hunt, the unpredictability of the unveiling and the community building around public art challenged the boundaries of traditional gallery spaces and allowed the art to breathe and embody life in the streets it inhabits.
Reflecting on Banksy’s mission, one might ask: is the artist not just commenting on society, but actively participating in and changing urban life itself? Each mural he splashes on London’s canvas is both a mural and a monument to human expression, echoing joy one afternoon and regret the next, but always motivating.
Despite the rapid removals and controversy, one thing remains clear: Banksy’s artworks continue to leave transformative impressions on London’s streets. Collected like stamps from different moments, each mural tells its own part of the city’s larger story, inspiring awe, amusement and debate. With hints of upcoming works, audiences can be assured that the artist has not yet shared his visions with the world.
Interested viewers should keep their eyes peeled for whatever comes next from Banksy. While another hidden gem could appear at any moment, London’s streets remain vibrant and full of life, reflecting the endless possibilities for creativity that are deeply embedded in urban life.
