In an Instagram post, elusive British street artist Banksy hit back at UK Home Secretary James Cleverly for totally missing the point of his migrant boat float, which he pulled off at the recent Glastonbury music festival.
Banksy’s latest artwork delivers a biting commentary on the British government and other European countries’ migration policies as refugees keep risking their lives, sailing across the Mediterranean Sea to reach the continent in search of better lives.
The image featured an inflatable raft bearing dummies in lifejackets lifted and passed around by thousands of people in attendance at the concert, making it appear like it was sailing in the rough seas.
It quickly made headlines in the UK, triggering mixed to negative reactions among politicians.
Cleverly called the piece “vile and unacceptable” for allegedly “joking and celebrating” what he described as “criminal actions which cost lives.”
Banksy’s response was sharp and pointed. He highlighted the irony of the Home Secretary’s condemnation, contrasting it with the real-world impact of his humanitarian work.
“The Home Secretary called my Glastonbury boat ‘vile and unacceptable’ which seemed a bit over the top,” he said.
Banksy then revealed that the MV Louise Michel,’ a rescue vessel he has been funding recently saved 17 unaccompanied children in the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite these efforts, however, Banksy noted that “the Italian authorities have detained it” as a form of punishment, “which seems vile and unacceptable to me.”
The artwork and his post have reignited heated debates on European migration policies.
Despite his elusiveness, Banksy is widely considered as one of the most influential contemporary political artists and activist.