Urban Art Association

"All the Best, Vida", by Daniel Silk on Mar 10, 2008 12:43:01 GMT 1, www.thecnj.co.uk/islington/2008/030708/inews030708_02.html

Banksy keeps flag flying after latest assault on mural

Plastic bag is artist’s new statement in wake of whitewash attack on his Tate tribute

GRAFFITI wars came to Islington this week after Banksy’s stencilled tribute to the Tate Gallery – already restored five times by the council – was whitewashed.
The attack on the mural in Martineau Road, Highbury, is believed to be part of a London-wide anti-Banksy campaign masterminded by a mystery artist who leaves the sarcastic calling card, “All the Best, Vida”.
Highbury ward Green councillor Katie Dawson said: “It’s a shame it’s been defaced. A lot of people will feel sad because you get attached to your local Banksy.”
But now a new Banksy mural has appeared next to a family-run pharmacy in Essex Road.
Stencilled in the artist’s distinctive style, it shows three children hoisting a flag resembling a plastic bag from supermarket chain Tesco.
Pharmacist Anand Chavda, of Savemain Pharmacy, welcomed its arrival. “I think it’s absolutely great,” he said. “We are really pleased so many people are interested in it. Everyone has an interpretation, which is what art should be about.
“Some people think it is to do with the plastic bag debate. But I think it is important to look at the way the kids are looking at the flag. The children look subservient.”
Mr Chavda, 28, whose family have run the Essex Road pharmacy for 27 years, said he thought the Banksy mural, which could be worth more than £200,000, was a response to the plight of small businesses.
“We have 800 signatures to save the post office,” he said. “There are a lot of businesses under pressure around here. I think the work is adding to that debate.”
Graffiti artists face a maximum of 10 years in prison, but Islington Council has a history of turning a blind eye to Banksy’s work.
The Martineau Road mural was at the centre of a row in November last year when it was revealed the council had restored it five times.
Councillor Lucy Watt, Lib Dem lead member for the environment, said: “Many people in Islington consider Banksy’s work as art and want it preserved for as long as possible. Although we don’t have an official policy on this, we’ve responded on a case-by-case basis, restoring several of them when they have been tagged. Our rapid-response team tackles hundreds of incidents a year and removes graffiti promptly when it’s reported to us. For graffiti on private property it is up to the owners whether it is removed or not.
“Sadly, as Banksy himself acknowledges, if someone is intent on permanently defacing or removing his work there isn’t much anyone can do about it.”