Banksy is an England-based street artist, political activist and film director. His identity remains unknown, adding mystery to his pieces. Banksy's work is more than often politically charged, and he uses his art to comment on important social and political issues.
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Banksy created a new work in the London Underground that spoke to the impact of the virus on daily life. The piece showed a figure in a mask and gloves, holding a broom and a bucket of red liquid, with the caption "If you don't mask - you don't get". The artwork was a commentary on the importance of wearing masks in the fight against the virus, and the dangers of not following health guidelines.
This work was so significant because it demonstrated how Banksy was able to adapt to the current moment and produce a piece that was both timely and relevant. It also showed how the artist was able to use his platform to raise awareness about the pandemic and the importance of following health guidelines.
Additionally, the piece was notable because it was created in the London Underground, one of the city's busiest public spaces. The London Underground has been a frequent location for Banksy's work, and his pieces there have become iconic. By placing this new work in the underground, Banksy was able to reach a large audience and make a statement about the pandemic that would be seen by countless people every day.
The COVID-19 stencil was widely shared on social media and generated a great deal of discussion and debate. Some people praised the work as a powerful reminder of the importance of wearing masks, while others criticized it as a political statement that was out of place in a public space. Regardless of one's personal opinion of the piece, it is undeniable that it had a significant impact and helped to raise awareness about the pandemic.
Overall, Banksy's COVID-19 stencil on the London Underground in 2020 was a remarkable example of the artist's ability to respond to current events and use his platform to make a statement. Through his work, Banksy was able to bring attention to the importance of wearing masks during the pandemic and to raise awareness about the dangers of not following health guidelines. The piece remains a significant moment in the artist's career and a testament to his ability to create thought-provoking and impactful artwork.
The text "Go Deep" appears in Banksy's "London Underground" video, which shows a man scrubbing one of the artist's graffiti pieces on the wall of a train carriage until it is gone. The phrase "Go Deep" is written in the same style as the text used in the London Underground's logo, suggesting that the act of removing graffiti is like "going deep" into the cleaning of the trains. The video comments on the ephemeral nature of street art and the ongoing efforts by authorities to remove it.