A new statue by Banksy has appeared on Waterloo Place in central London, confirming the artist’s identity that has long been shrouded in mystery. The statue, depicting a suited man with a flag obscuring his face, was first reported on April 29, 2026, and quickly sparked conversations about its deeper meaning.
With his signature etched into the plinth, Banksy confirmed his authorship on Instagram, adding to his growing presence in the city. Over the past two years, he has increasingly engaged with London’s urban landscape—creating a series of stencilled animal silhouettes in summer 2024 and an unauthorised mural at the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2025.
Commentators have responded with mixed feelings. One remarked, “I love that he appears when enough time has passed to forget, and arrives with full force unnoticed.” Another Banksy collector expressed: “As a long-time Banksy collector, this one really hits. Big monument energy, but the idea is brutally simple: a suited figure blinded by its own flag. Classic Banksy. Quiet at first, then impossible to unsee.”
The statue’s placement near significant sites like the Duke of York Column and government buildings raises questions about its intended commentary—some speculate it critiques authority or highlights societal blindness. Others ponder whether it reflects on contemporary issues tied to foreign embassies and the role of art in public spaces.
Observers are keenly watching how this statue will influence public discourse around street art in London. With Banksy’s following reaching an impressive 13.8 million on Instagram, his work continues to resonate widely.