Banksy has returned to street art with a new lighthouse mural in France, marking the artist’s first uncharacteristically personal piece. The anonymous artist announced the artwork on Instagram, featuring black lighthouse and stenciled words “I want to be what you saw in me.”
While reactions are mixed, some see it as Banksy’s attempt to spark conversation about being a guiding light or finding one’s inner self. Others think it might be his most sentimental work yet. The artist rarely includes text in his pieces but this time takes the approach of adding a heavy-handed caption. The meaning behind “I want to be what you saw in me” remains unclear, with some speculating it could be inspired by a country song.
The 49-year-old artist is known for creating socially conscious works that critique commercialism and profit. His latest piece differs from his typical animal-themed paintings and critiques of war and social issues.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/banksy-unveils-new-lighthouse-mural-with-the-words-i-want-to-be-what-you-saw-in-me-in-france-180986719