Banksy Launches Smile Campaign with New Murals in North London

On August 11, renowned street artist Banksy unveiled a series of murals across North London as part of his weeklong "smile campaign." The initiative featured whimsical images, including a stretching black cat, pelicans, a goat, and a trio of monkeys, all aimed at brightening the spirits of the public amid challenging news cycles. Banksy expressed his intent to bring joy to people's lives, hinting at more surprises to come in the following days. The black cat mural, which drew significant attention, was quickly removed by workers after a crowd gathered to admire it and take selfies. Supporters of Banksy’s work expressed their discontent as the artwork was stripped away. Other notable pieces included a mountain goat depicted on a building's side, with rocks cascading from its hooves, and two silhouetted elephant heads on a Chelsea house, their trunks reaching toward one another. In addition to these murals, Banksy painted a wolf on a satellite dish in Peckham, which was reportedly taken by two men shortly after its completion. The whereabouts of the dish remain unknown, according to Banksy’s representative. The elusive artist, whose identity remains a mystery, is known for his nocturnal work style and is believed to have a small team assisting him. Banksy is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including funding the rescue boat MV Louise Michel, which operates in the Mediterranean to assist endangered asylum seekers.