Sunday 18 May 2008

Banksy or Not? - New Billboard Subvertisement In Bristol

IS THIS BANKSY MAKING A TRIBUTE TO THE STUDENT RIOTS IN PARIS 40 YEARS AGO?

I saw this first on Wednesday morning, I didn't get a chance to photo it until Saturday Morning, and is likely to be still there until Monday! 7 Billboards on the Bath Road, over the railway, just before the Wells Road, on the south side of the river from Temple Meads station. Handy for those trainspotting Banksy spotters!


You can find it here on google maps.



Is this the work of world famous Bristol Graffiti Artist Banksy?
The text reads
IMAGINE A
WORLD WITHOUT
BILLBOARDS
BEAUTY IS IN THE STREET
PARIS MAY 1968
THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVIZED
BORDERS = REPRESSION

IMAGINE A

WORLD WITHOUT

BILLBOARDS


BEAUTY IS IN THE STREET


PARIS MAY 1968


THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVIZED

BORDERS = REPRESSION


So What Do You Think? Banksy Or Not?
Now whether it's Banksy, or not I can't be sure as it's not tagged or credited. Though judging By the scale of it and over 7 full size billboards it's certainly an audacious piece that would have taken some balls, some organisation and would be quite typical of Banksy. After all, he's probably back home in Bristol now after putting together the much publicised 'exhibition' in London entitled 'The Cans Festival'




On the other hand is it far too political and abstract for Banksy and not arty enough?

Also, when did it first appear?
Will the billboard company get it removed/replaced before the art collectors come along with a chainsaw and auction it on ebay?