CA, US & World
Blind Patriotism: Banksy Claims Credit for Provocative New Statue in London’s Waterloo Place
LONDON, UK — The art world is buzzing once again as the elusive street artist Banksy has officially claimed credit for a provocative new monument in the heart of London’s Waterloo Place. The large-scale statue, which appeared mysteriously under the cover of night on Wednesday, depicts a man in a business suit marching off a pedestal with a flag completely smothering his face—a clear satirical jab at the concept of "blind patriotism."
Banksy confirmed his involvement via a humorous video posted to his Instagram on Thursday, showing a crew erecting the piece while an onlooker quips, "I don’t like it." Despite the mixed reaction from passersby, social media users have hailed the work as a powerful commentary on "collective blindness" and forward motion without vision.
Strategic Placement
The location of the statue is as intentional as the work itself. It currently stands among monuments of major British historical figures, including King Edward VII and Captain Robert Falcon Scott. By placing his flag-blinded figure in such a prominent, traditional space, Banksy forces a dialogue between the "heroes" of the past and the political realities of the present.
Westminster City Council has already moved to protect the piece with barriers, though they expressed excitement about the addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene.
The Mystery of Identity
This latest stunt comes just two months after a massive investigation by Reuters claimed to have finally unmasked the artist’s identity as Robin Gunningham, a middle-aged man from Bristol. While Banksy has neither confirmed nor denied the report, the "unmasking" has sparked a global debate among collectors and fans about whether the loss of anonymity will change the resonance of his subversive messages.
For now, the "fairy tale" of the anonymous superhero continues in spirit. Banksy, known for iconic works like "Girl with Balloon" and the satirical "The Drinker," remains the most influential voice in contemporary street art, using the streets of London as his personal, political gallery.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
May 1, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews