Graffiti artist Banksy is renowned for his artwork, with strong political messages and exposing hypocrisy, but now he’s turned his attention to the Syrian refugee crisis…
The artist has created a new mural of Steve Jobs on a concrete bridge at ‘Jungle’ refugee camp in Calais.
The striking artwork shows the Apple founder donning his trademark specs and turtleneck top, with a black bin bag full of his belongings over his shoulder, with an original Mac monitor in his other hand.
Critics believe that Banksy is trying to remind the West that Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant, who went to America after WWII.
In a statement, Banksy said:
We’re often led to believe migration is a drain on the country’s resources, but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant. Apple is the world’s most profitable company, it pays over $7 billion a year in taxes – and it only exists because they allowed in a young man from Homs.
The makeshift town on the outskirts of Calais is currently home to more than 7,000 migrants, who have mostly fled from Syria and Afghanistan.
The artist – who keeps his identity secret – has also painted other areas of the camp with other migrant related pieces including a take of ‘Raft of the Medusa’ by Theodore Gericault, with a luxury yacht.
Banksy has been supplying aid to the refugees living on a former rubbish tip after the success of his “bemusement” park in Weston-Super-Mare this summer.
Dismaland was a temporary attraction featuring various pieces of artwork, including a version of the Disney princess castle and boats filled with migrants- as well as guest artwork from Damien Hirst and several other acclaimed artists.
The surplus materials from the attraction and his team have build emergency housing, community centres and play areas for the refugees now living on a former rubbish tip.
Fair play to him.
