Banksy, United Kingdom
Boat to Rescue Refugees at Sea, 2020
The Louise Michel was a former French Navy boat that was refurbished and funded by British artist Banksy. As popular as Banksy is he finds the art as a part of the solution. While there are many wealthy, popular persons that buy yachts for their personal use, Banksy bought his boat to do good. The beauty in this piece for me isn’t necessarily the railing or the Pepto pink paint, rather in the mission. With all the radical events happening in the world Banksy took it upon himself to have his Louise Michel boat in the middle of the Mediterranean to rescue refugees who are trying to swim for their safety and freedom. This boat holds more power and value than some mega yacht ever could. Banksy for years has used his work to voice against various types of injustice and with this inspiring piece, I believe he perfectly brings meaning to art for injustice. Label by Annabel Bentley