Elusive street artist Banksy appears to have returned to his hometown with a new Valentine’s inspired artwork.
Residents of Bristol, in the United Kingdom, have woken up to a new mural that has all the markings of the world-famous artist.
Stencilled on the side of a house in Bristol’s Barton Hill, the work depicts a young girl firing roses from a sling shot, forming an explosive floral pattern metres above. A small handful of flowers were also left draped strategical over a street sign below, mimicking dripping paint.
The floral mural appeared in the early hours of Thursday, February 13, in time for Valentine’s Day. While Banksy is yet to claim the work as his, residents were quick to speculate he was behind it.
The Bristol Somali Community Association was the first to share an image of the work, urging people to come down and take a look for themselves.
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“Today in Barton Hill, we woke up with this remarkable mural art painted on one of the houses of the area. We hope it’s Banksy’s work,” the post read. “Come and have a look yourself. Whoever painted, it’s worth admiring their creativity.”
Another social media user said, “Who knew @banksy was hanging out around the corner from me last night! Cupid’s arrow.”
Is this a #Banksy in #Bristol? @itvwestcountry @BBCBristol pic.twitter.com/TQ7Z4e6u3T
— She and Hem (@Sheandhem) February 13, 2020
The seasonal theme of the work would be in line with Banksy's most recent festive piece, which appeared just before Christmas on the streets of Birmingham.
The piece highlighted the plight of homeless people in the city, and was shared by the artist alongside a video telling the story of a man named Ryan, who was photographed sleeping on a bench that looked to be pulled by Banksy’s stencilled reindeer.
