The globally infamous graffiti artist Banksy has made history once again by creating a political piece of artwork in Knightsbridge, London, this month, which aims to criticise the French's inhumane treatment of refugees.
The centre of the work depicts a little girl standing in front of a French flag- an image familiar to us from the hit French film and musical hit; 'Les Miserables'. However the little girl is apparent to be crying from what the viewer can only infer is from the smoking spiral of fumes leading down to the bottom of the wall which sees a CS can- otherwise known as 'tear gas' resulting in the child's bold expression.
It can be presumed that Banksy's idea was to show the ill treatment of French officials towards refugees in Calais area to forcefully evict over 1500 persons from the refugee camps. To further support Banksy's ethical protest he has made the artwork interactive, there is a QR code attached on the wall for viewers to scan their phone upon which directly leads them to a youtube video of teargas being used on refugees. Although despite Banksy using his well known reputation for ethical intentions French police still decline the use of tear gas unless it is needed in the severity of a situation.
None the less, is Banksy's work and repoituire rightfully making a difference to the refugee crisis? Or does the upper part of the hierarchy in the world ignore the democracy and ethics of the people?- no matter if that is shown to them through words or graffiti.
Sophia Zenonos
Chalfont community college.
