在2023年圣诞节即将到来之际，Banksy在自己的网站和Instagram账户上发布了最新涂鸦作品——STOP交通路牌上，三架处于任务编队状态的军用无人机。
Photo by：Aaron Chown/AP
而在Banksy社交媒体的相关页面上，最高赞的回复是：
「You know there’s a geezer unbolting that right now ready to sell it on eBay. 」
（你知道有个家伙正在拆下那个东西，准备在eBay上卖掉。）
编辑：ARThing艺术活
翻译：teamARThing
除注明外，本文图片源自©️ Banksy社交平台
# STOP, Ceasefire— “Taken” Banksy
On December 22, 2023, just as Christmas was around the corner, Banksy posted his latest graffiti on his website and Instagram—a piece on a STOP traffic sign featuring three military drones in a formation ready for action.
However, not long after Banksy’s post, the graffiti was snatched away by two bold individuals. According to Alex, an early bird who arrived on-site within minutes of the graffiti being posted on social media, initially, only a handful of people were there, admiring and snapping pictures. The culprit, arriving on a bike, first attempted a manual takedown of the sign, but failing that, returned minutes later armed with tools. With the help of an accomplice, they swiftly dismantled and made off with the graffiti.
Throughout the entire ordeal, bystanders could do little more than voice questions like, “What are you doing?” and protest with honking horns.
26-year-old Alex watched as he ripped off the sign, dashed across the road, and then disappeared. Not a word was spoken. It seemed he didn’t care at all about the art itself.
Another spectator mournfully remarked，this all happened inexplicably, these artworks are impressive. If only it could linger a bit longer, that would be great.
On Banksy’s social media pages, the top-rated comment resonated:
“You know there’s a geezer unbolting that right now ready to sell it on eBay. ”
This sardonic scene seemingly mirrors the contemporary social reality: when faced with critical issues, people respond with indifference, powerlessness, or deep regret. It prompts the question of whether art can genuinely strike a chord with society and motivate real, effective efforts from people.
But all is not lost.
The local council of Southwark, overseeing public services and local affairs, promptly reported the incident to the police. Deputy Chair Jasmine Ali, through the media, called for the return of the graffiti so that more people could appreciate Banksy’s masterpiece.
The latest update indicates that local police have arrested a man for further investigation, but it seems there’s still a way to go before the graffiti is recovered.
In a tumultuous world, with the lingering smoke of localized wars and the cold season casting its chilly spell on death and the economy, Banksy once again voiced his deep concern for society through his art.
The visual elements of this graffiti are simple yet profound: military drones symbolize the swift advancement of modern human technology and its dehumanizing role in warfare, while the STOP sign serves as a reminder. When faced with war and human crises, should we not pause, reflect on the relationship and distance between technology and humanity, reexamine the direction of human future development, and make more considered choices?
It’s not just about war and peace;
it’s about technology and humanity, too.
🌍 On this warm and beautiful Earth night 🌍
🌟🍎 Wish: May peace be everlasting 🍎🌟
Editor: ARThing
Translation: teamARThing
