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Street artist Banksy debuted a new mural in London on Sunday that delivers a compelling green message on St. Patrick’s Day.
The political activist took credit for the piece by showing before and after photos on his instagram page no title.
The mural was painted on the wall of a building behind a trimmed tree with no branches using saturated green paint that mimics the leaves that were once present. An illustrated green person holding a paint sprayer can be found looking at the plant.
The painting was found on a north London street in the Islington North neighborhood, according to NPR.
‘We live in a world’
Former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who represents the area as a member of parliament, shared his interpretation behind Banksy’s article. “He makes people stop and think, ‘Wait. We live in a world. We live in an environment,'” he shared.
“He is vulnerable and on the verge of serious harm,” Corbyn said. “Environmental policy is as much about densely populated urban areas as this as it is about farmland, woodland and hedgerows.”
Authorities say they will protect the tree.
Islington City Council said its graffiti removal team will not remove the mural, but officials warned it may not last long due to the condition of the wall.
The city council added that the tree is a cherry tree that has lived between 40 and 50 years, according to bbc. However, due to decay and fungal damage, the tree’s health is declining.
Officials added that the tree has been pruned to prolong its lifespan and that they will continue to support its life, the BBC reported.
Banksy’s previous work has sold for millions
Banksy began his career spray painting murals in England and has gained a reputation for his satirical work.
The artist, who has never revealed his true identity, has sold his work for millions of dollars at auction, according to the Associated Press. Some of his works include images of kissing police officers, riot police with yellow smiley faces, and a chimpanzee holding a sign that says “Laugh now, but one day I’ll be in charge.”