A low-loader, some traffic cones and “the sort of dudes who can set up a Metallica concert in 24 hours” – this was all Banksy needed to install his latest artwork in central London.
Under the cover of darkness, the street artist erected a statue on a plinthshowing a besuited man walking forward, blinded by a flag covering his face.
Westminster City Council has told the BBC it did not grant permission, as it was not given advance warning that Banksy’s team was planning this installation.
A spokesperson said: “We’re excited to see Banksy’s latest sculpture in Westminster, making a striking addition to the city’s vibrant public art scene.”
I do not pray to cloth. Haven’t since grade school, when they pretty much forced us.
I consider flag worship, like blind patriotism, the last refuge of fools and scoundrels.
And so, naturally, when I got to London I had to seek out the latest – and perhaps greatest – Banksy contribution to life, the universe and everything.
Blinded by the flag is splendid. Even more so by the fact that Banksy and his merry crew installed this statue in St. James Place in the dead of night.
Without apology. Without permission from God or anybody.
Miraculously, the local authorities didn’t remove it. They praised it.
Unlike the National Park Service, which removed that statue of Trump and his Bestie from the National Mall with unceremonious haste.
After contemplating Banksy’s man subsumed by the flag, I had only one complaint.
Well, two really.
First, the tie was much too short.
And second, the tie wasn’t red.
Because if there was ever a scoundrel who embodies all that Banksy’s statue portends, it is our Liar in Chief.
Who never misses an opportunity to wrap himself in the flag.
To tell the rest of us that he and the red-white-and-blue are inseparable.
So better pray to both, or stand accused of being a terrible American.
These days, I relish the role of terrible American.
Like Diogenes I much prefer being a citizen of the world.
I do not pray to cloth. And I do not suffer liars, scoundrels and hucksters gladly.
I’m with Banksy.
FreeGNV 