Banksy unveils new artwork in hospital corridor hailing NHS staff as superheroes
A NEW Banksy artwork has gone on display in a hospital corridor honouring superhero NHS staff.
The piece, entitled Game Changer, shows a boy dressed in dungarees playing with a toy nurse depicted as a superhero, along with figures of Batman and Spiderman in a waste paper basket on the floor.
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The nurse, wearing a cape, face mask and a white apron featuring a red cross, has her arm raised as if she is flying.
It is on display for staff and patients on Level C of Southampton General Hospital.
Banksy left a note for hospital workers, saying: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if its only black and white.”
Once lockdown is lifted the piece will be put non public display.
It will then be auctioned to raise money for NHS charities, a spokeswoman for Banksy said.
Paula Head, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “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 hospital has previously paid tribute to children’s nurse Katy Davis, 38, who died after testing positive for coronavirus.
In April, Banksy created a series of rats wrecking havoc in his bathroom.
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He posted a set of five images to Instagram with the caption: “My wife hates it when I work from home.”
It showed rats – which have featured in many of his previous artworks – knocking the bathroom mirror to one side, hanging on the light pull, swinging on a towel ring and stepping on a tube of toothpaste.
Rats are seen skipping on a roll of toilet paper, appearing to urinate against the toilet seat and using red lipstick to tally up the days in lockdown.
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