Banksy appeared to confirm he was behind a stunt at Glastonbury that involved an inflatable raft resembling migrants wearing lifejackets.
The artist, who still remains anonymous officially, posted a clip of the stunt from the weekend. It’s believed it symbolized the small boat crossings of migrants in the English Channel, on his Instagram.
The celebrity has never confirmed or denied most of his work, instead chooses to post a photo or video of it when it seems he’s taking credit for the piece.
The inflatable boat featured dummies dressed in lifejackets while on a raft, and was lifted above the heads of the audience during Idles’ show on the Other Stage. Many believe the crowdsurfing raft was part of the performance on Friday night at the famous music festival.
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However, Idles said they were not aware of Banksy’s raft stunt until after their Glastonbury set had wrapped up.
The raft ‘swam’ over the head of thousands of revellers as Idles played the track Danny Nedelko, which has lyrics that condemn right-wing immigration policies. The song calls for compassion.
It’s not the first time Banksy has made a statement at Glastonbury, with or without a raft. In 2019, Stormzy wore a union flag designed by the artist during his Pyramid Stage show. The flag had been made into a stab vest, with the Union Jack colors dulled.
Then in 2014, he made a mobile sculpture, Sirens of the Lambs, which drove around the festival, surprising crowds as they ate, highlighting issues revolving around animals being farmed for their meat.
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Fans react to Banksy’s Glastonbury raft
One wrote: “Using an ocean of people as the water as part of the installation. A powerful message that makes society think about what’s going on in the world. Very political.”
Another added: “What makes Banksy different from almost all “celebrity ” graffiti artists out there is the tangible humanity in his work. Kudos to him for being a true rebel.”
A third penned: “Art should make us feel. It should make us think. It should make us ask questions and even have opinions. Whether or not you agree with what you believe to be Banksy’s mission, he’s just providing the imagery—the opportunity for discussion. He has shown a human issue—facts built from imagery. That imagery doesn’t answer all the questions. It merely ask us to think. Banksy is doing his job as an artist.”
“Banksy and IDLES is a match made in heaven,” declared a fourth.
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