Banksy’s Latest Piece Pays Tribute to Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Street artist Banksy's latest artwork pays tribute to the nurses and doctors working around the clock to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.
The England-based artist revealed the painting in a post to his Instagram page on Wednesday, and it depicts a young boy playing with a toy nurse whose arms are outstretched as if she were flying through the sky. In the background, a garbage bin is filled with the boy's Batman and Spider-Man action figures.
Banksy gifted the piece to the University Hospital Southampton in England, where it now hangs at the entrance of the facility's emergency department, according to BBC.
The mysterious artist also left a note for the hospital's staff to express his gratitude for their efforts during the outbreak, which has killed tens of thousands around the world.
"Thanks for all you're doing," the note reads. "I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if its only black and white."
With Banksy's permission, the staff renamed the painting from its original title, "Game Changer," to "Painting for Saints," in reference to the city's Premier League football team, CNN reported.
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A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on May 6, 2020 at 9:50am PDT
Paula Head, the chief executive of the hospital, told BBC that the hospital has been heavily impacted by the spread of coronavirus, and they have lost many of their own to the disease.
"Our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends," she told the outlet. "The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognize the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honor."
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"It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital, as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art," Head added. "It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital."
According to BBC, the painting will be auctioned off later this year to raise money for the United Kingdom National Health Service.
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Last month, Banksy revealed a new installation that depicted a group of rats running amock in his bathroom. Rats have frequently been used in many of the artist's paintings over the years.
"My wife hates it when I work from home," he wrote on Instagram of the piece.
According to a New York Times database, the United Kingdom has seen over 201,000 cases and 30,076 deaths attributed to coronavirus as of Thursday afternoon.
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