Aged Care Insite Australia's number one aged care news source
UK street artist Banksy has unveiled his latest work and this time he has depicted nurses as superheroes.
The new piece by the famously reclusive artist has appeared at Southampton General Hospital and is hanging in a foyer near the emergency department. It was placed in collaboration with the hospital’s managers – as reported by the BBC.
The work shows a young boy playing with a nurse doll next to a basket with discarded Batman and Spiderman dolls. The nurse is replete with a flowing cape and arm pointed forward as if flying through the air, reminiscent of the ultimate symbol of superhero-dom, Superman.
Paula Head, CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said: "Our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends.
"The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honour."
"Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if its only black and white," the artist write in an accompanying note.
The painting will evenutually be auctioned to raise money for the NHS. Previous works by the artist have sold for millions, such as the recent painting titled ‘devolved parliament’, which sold for $12 million at auction in October last year.
Banksy rarely places artworks in galleries, preferring to remain true to his graffiti art roots , instead paining on public property.
The artist often tackles political topics such as with his depictions of the late Steve Jobs, meant as a comment on the nature of capitalism, or his work depicting a pillow fight between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian protester – shown at his own exhibition in Bethlehem.
This latest work could be construed as a commentary on who we, as a society, value most.
Do you have an idea for a story?Email [email protected]
Get the news delivered straight to your inbox
Receive the top stories in our weekly newsletter Sign up now