Possible Banksy mural appears on Hove seafront

Possible Banksy mural appears on Hove seafront Locals are divided over the authenticity of the new mural - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments An alleged new Banksy artwork has appeared on the Hove seafront, sparking debate about whether the anonymous artist is truly behind the piece. The artwork is reported to have appeared on Monday near Palmeira Square, within striking distance of the beach. It depicts a police officer caught in the act of spray-painting a love heart which is made out of chains. Banksy expert James Peak, who previously hosted The Banksy Story on BBC Radio 4, told the broadcaster that it will be impossible to verify if the mural was made by the artist until he posts it on his website or social media. He added that, while it is reminiscent of Banksy’s iconic 2004 work ‘Kissing Coppers’, it may turn out not to be by him. Locals noted a police presence has been spotted around the work, seen in pictures shared online, but it currently remains intact. Commenting on social media, one Facebook user said: “It’s a nice piece but it’s definitely done by an amateur, it’s smudged from the stencils, zero shading, and it’s not crisp, I don’t know why you’d try and say it’s Banksy and not credit the person that actually did it.” It would be a return to a more practised medium for the prolific British artist, who rose to fame for his stencilled graffiti murals with political themes. In April, the anonymous creative installed a large statue in central London’s Waterloo Place, not far from landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. It depicted a man in a suit holding an oversized flag which blows into his face and obscures his vision as he appears to march off the plinth he is standing on. The piece was interpreted as a statement on British nationalism and imperialism, with its placement intentionally nearby several significant monuments of military history. Westminster Council has allowed the statue to remain in place and in view of the public, commenting at the time that it is a “striking addition to the city's vibrant public art scene”. In September of last year, Banksy also drew controversy for a mural sprayed onto the wall of London’s Royal Courts of Justice, depicting a judge battering a protester with his gavel. The artwork came at the height of the debate around the Home Office’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror group, and the subsequent arrest of hundreds of activists for holding placards in support of the group. It was quickly scrubbed from the walls of the court, leaving just a silhouette. Banksy’s PR manager has been contacted for comment. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments