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Banksy has unveiled a new piece of art on his Instagram account inspired by the anti-racism protestors who pulled down the statue of Edward Colston from its pedestal and rolled him into the river Avon in his home city of Bristol.
Banksy’s new artwork shows anti-racism protesters pulling down the statue of the 17th-century slave trader Colston during Sunday’s protest, saying their actions should be commemorated. The statue has been the centre of debate for years with many people wanting the statue gone that has been watching over Bristol’s city centre since 1895.
Edward Colston’s company transported more than 100,000 slaves from west Africa to the Caribbean and American continent between 1672 and 1689; more than 20,000 died during the journeys, as a result of unhygienic conditions, malnourishment and dysentery.
“What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?
Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t.
We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated.” Banksy
The artist has publicly expressed his support of the Black Lives Matter movement which has escalated all over the world following the death of Mr George Floyd in Minneapolis. Banksy has changed his Instagram picture to Black and also shared an image of the American flag being set fire by a memorial candle. Read more here.
The statue’s removal in Bristol prompts a global conversation about the glorification of colonialism through public monuments.
Who else thinks Banky’s statue should be erected! Leave your comments below.
Photo credit Banky
