Banksy lockdown art for the NHS
Banksy has used his time in lockdown to create and donate a canvas to Universal Hospital Southampton. He left it with a note saying “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”
His gift seems to have met with instant approval with Paula Head, the CEO of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, saying: “Here at Southampton, 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.
It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital, as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art. It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital.”
The imagery is very clear in its messaging of showing who the real super heroes are right now. It shows a child overlooking toys of regular heroes such as Batman and Spiderman in favour of a nurse, flying through the air, with her arm outstretched like a super hero and with her cape flowing out behind her.
The hospital have put the work on display but are ultimately considering auctioning it off to benefit NHS Charities.
