Artist Banksy's recent public installations, including a statue in London's Waterloo Place and a mural outside the Royal Courts of Justice, have drawn sharp criticism from commentator AN Wilson. Wilson contends that Banksy, whose identity as Robin Gunningham was revealed by The Mail on Sunday in 2008, produces "ugly, worthless art" that aids the "collapse of the West."
Wilson highlights a statue that appeared in Waterloo Place in April, depicting a politician marching with a flag obscuring his face. This work, interpreted by some as a critique of "blind patriotism," was permitted to remain by Westminster Council and the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who called it a "striking addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene." Wilson contrasts this with the potential arrest for criminal damage or terrorism offenses that ordinary citizens would face for similar unauthorized installations.
He also points to a mural that appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice last April, showing a judge striking a protester. This piece, which Wilson suggests was an allusion to the conviction of Palestine Action protesters, cost taxpayers an estimated £85,000 to remove from the Grade-II listed building. Wilson criticizes what he sees as liberal bias favoring such groups, noting that Palestine Action members have been involved in significant property damage and assaults on police officers.
Wilson argues that Banksy's work, including a stunt involving an inflatable dinghy at Glastonbury festival, reflects and flatters "orthodox woke opinions" of the "liberal ruling regime." He contends that unlike genuinely dissident artists, Banksy is protected by the establishment, making him a "tame propagandist" rather than a true rebel. Despite his purported anti-establishment stance, Wilson notes that Banksy has achieved significant financial success, with one original piece selling for £4.2 million.
Wilson asserts that Banksy's art is artistically worthless and promotes a "liberal nightmare" contributing to the decline of Western civilization. He claims that the artist's continued use of the pseudonym "Banksy," despite his identity being known, is maintained by a "reverent convention" among media and politicians who he views as part of the establishment that protects the artist.