A mysterious painting spotted in Aberdeen has raised speculation that Banksy has at last left his creative mark on the walls of the Granite City.
The elusive British artist, whose name is synonymous with activism and intrigue, is known world-wide for his subversive images and the mystique surrounding his identity.
His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls, and bridges throughout the world, however, there have been none in Aberdeen so far.
But a graffiti painting with a “powerful” message, which has been spotted at the back of a building along the Deeside Way near Cults, has maybe suggested otherwise.
Midwives Anne Marie Rennie and Stevie Walsh clocked the artwork while they were out for a walk along the popular railway line in Aberdeen yesterday.
Executed in a distinctive stenciling technique – much like most of Banksy‘s street art – the image portrays a child holding a banner with the caption ‘contribution to society stands on the principle of love’.
However, it is unknown how long the mural has been in place and when it was created remains a mystery.
A ‘beautiful’ image with powerful message
Ms Rennie felt compelled to stop and look at the “gorgeous” painting, which immediately struck a cord with its “crucial” and “interesting” message.
The 60-year-old said: “It’s not particularly obvious that you’d see it all the time going past – it was pure luck that I saw it.
“I was just walking along, I spotted it and I thought ‘oh, that looks gorgeous’. I absolutely love the message on it. I was just moved by it and wondered if it was a Banksy.
“It’s beautifully portrayed in a public space and is the sort of image and wording exactly in keeping with Banksy.
She added: “And the message – ‘contribution to society stands on the principle of love’ – is exceptionally powerful.
“It’s such an emotive issue. The message in it is crucial and so interesting, particularly in a midwifery way.
“We see love every day at a birth – the connection between a mother and a child – and in that picture, it’s a child holding the message.
“We stood for a while and we looked at it, and just thought ‘wow’.”
Could it be Banksy?
Ms Rennie later shared her discovery with friends on social media to seek others’ opinion on whether the image could indeed be the work of the renowned artist.
Many suggested that the style of the image and the social aspect of the message falls in-line with Banksy’s ideology and painting techniques – but could it really be Banksy?
