Blind Patriotism

Central London just got a new Banksy original. Staged in the historically charged Waterloo Place, the sculpture depicts a suited figure blindfolded by its own flag confidently marching off its column.

The work was dropped in the square overnight on Wednesday via crane. Scrawled with “Banksy” at its base.

The area, St James’s, is known for its monuments of British imperial figures. The new Banksy sits beside monumental bronzes of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War Memorial, with a gilded Athena ruling over the facade of the Athenaeum Club.

Dropping a figure such as the flag-bearer in this league of individuals proves politically provocative, which is only to be expected from the artist. The statue seems to be a commentary on blind patriotism, or how power structures heedlessly lead themselves to their own demise. A very timely reminder.

Posted by: admin on April 30, 2026