Banksy’s latest mural, a judge striking a protester with a gavel, was washed off a day after appearing

Title: Banksy’s Latest Political Mural – Judge Strikes Protester with Gavel – Vanishes in 24 Hours

Meta Description: Banksy’s newest London mural, featuring a judge attacking a protester with a gavel, sparked viral attention before being swiftly removed by local authorities. Explore the art, message, and controversy.

Banksy’s Fleeting Protest Art: London Mural Washed Away Amid Free Speech Debate

In true Banksy fashion, the elusive street artist’s latest politically charged mural captivated London — only to vanish within a day. The piece, depicting a judge striking a protester with a gavel, appeared near the Barbican Estate before being hastily erased by local authorities, reigniting debates over public art, dissent, and censorship.

The Mural: A Fiery Critique of Authority

The artwork — confirmed by Banksy via Instagram on Friday, October 19th — materialized overnight on the corner of Golden Lane and Ironmonger Lane in Central London. Painted in the artist’s iconic stencil style, the mural featured:

• A Judge in Traditional Wig & Gown: Swinging a gavel like a weapon toward a protester.
• A Bleeding Protester: Holding a cardboard sign reading “ACAB” (a common anti-police slogan).
• Green Paint Splatters: Mimicking blood splashes or protest dye, symbolizing state violence.

The imagery directly referenced recent clashes between protesters and police, including the March 2024 pro-Palestine demonstrations where officers faced criticism for aggressive tactics. The judge’s pose mirrored Rodin’s The Thinker, adding irony to the critique of legal oppression.

Swift Removal Sparks Outrage

Within 24 hours, the City of London Corporation scrubbed the mural from the wall, citing a lack of permission. Authorities stated:

“Unauthorized graffiti is removed as part of routine maintenance. We were unaware of the mural’s origin prior to cleaning.”

Critics blasted the decision as censorship, especially after Banksy authenticated the work. The erasure echoed the transient nature of street art, but many viewed it as silencing dissent.

Public Reaction Highlights:

• “Erasing Banksy is like erasing a protest itself.” – Local artist @StreetVisionUK
• “Why remove art that speaks truths institutions want buried?” – Activist Marla Jensen

Banksy’s Silent Statement

By confirming the mural on Instagram (his primary authentication channel), Banksy transformed its removal into part of the narrative. The act echoed his infamous Girl With Balloon shredding stunt, reinforcing themes of impermanence and resistance.

Art historian Dr. Elena Torres noted:

“Banksy weaponizes ephemerality. The mural’s erasure amplifies its message — authority silencing dissent — proving his point better than the art alone could.”

Historical Context: Banksy vs. The System

This isn’t the first time Banksy’s anti-establishment works faced removal:

• 2013: New York mural mocking surveillance capitalism was painted over.
• 2018: Paris tribute to Les Misérables (featuring a tear gas victim) vandalized.

Each erasure fuels dialogue about street art’s role in democracy. London’s mural, while short-lived, continues trending under hashtags like #BanksyVsTheState and #GavelJustice.

Conclusion: Art as Protest in a Hostile World

Banksy’s gavel-wielding judge mural lasted barely a day, yet its symbolic weight lingers. Authorities may scrub walls, but the conversation persists: Who controls public space? Why fear dissenting art?

As the green paint fades, the questions remain vibrant.

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