Banksy reveals new graffiti as he ‘works from home’ during coronavirus lockdown

Artist’s latest work appears in his own bathroom

Banksy has revealed new graffiti – but unlike most of his artwork, it cannot be found on the street.

Due to the UK being in lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, the artist has been forced, like many others, to work from home.

His latest graffiti, therefore, appears in his own bathroom.

Banksy revealed the new work on Instagram, where he posted pictures of his walls covered in his famous rat drawings.

“My wife hates it when I work from home,” wrote the artist, alongside a series of five photos that show the rodents squirting toothpaste, hanging from the bathroom light and urinating in the toilet.

Banksy has previously used the rats to make social commentary. Inspired by French graffiti artist Blek le Rat, Banksy began his career stenciling rodents across England with phrases such as “Because I’m Worthless” and “Our Time Will Come”.

The artist’s rats have been interpreted as a symbol for the idea that while efforts are constantly made to remove graffiti from walls, it continues to reappear – just like rats.

His last artwork appeared the month before the UK went into lockdown. Located in the Barton Hill area of Bristol, it depicts a young girl firing a slingshot into the sky, creating a red firework-style explosion.

The mural only lasted 48 hours, however, before it was defaced with graffiti reading “BCC W***ERS”. The message is believed to refer to Bristol City Council.