Enigmatic street artist Banksy has delivered another masterpiece with a very powerful message that’s particularly amplified by the place it appears in – a British hospital. The incredible gift to the University Hospital Southhampton (UHS) came with the note, “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if (it’s) only black and white” and it’s currently on display in its corridor.
The artwork epitomizes the idea of a picture being worth a thousand words, which is a trademark of Banksy’s style in general, along with the black-and-white palette against which stands out a single red element, which in this case is the red cross on the medical worker’s apron. The message is clear – medical workers are the superheroes amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Banksy named it “Game-Changer,” however, with his permission, (UHS) has changed the name to “Painting for the Saints,” paying tribute to the local football team which goes by the nickname of “The Saints.”
To erase any doubt that the artwork is, indeed, Banksy’s, the creator posted it on Instagram.
The piece will be auctioned at a later stage, and the money it sells for will go towards helping national health charities.
“Here at Southampton, our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends. 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 honour,” Paula Head, UHS chief executive, said in a statement on the hospital’s website.
This is the second artwork Banksy has made public since lockdown, the first one being some rats trashing his bathroom, with a caption reading, “My wife hates it when I work from home.”
