A photo of the mural was posted on Banksy’s official Instagram account, where the artist usually claims responsibility for works of art to his more than 12 million followers.
When viewed from certain angles, the green paint lines up with the tree’s bare branches to represent its leaves. The work includes a stencil, typical of Banksy, of a person holding a spraying device, dripping in green paint.
Some have suggested the work may be intended as a statement with an environmental message, hinting at the impact of humans on nature.
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The latest work by the renowned street artist, who has never confirmed his full identity, sparked interest and excitement across social media platforms, including from lawmaker and former leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, who represents the area of north London where the art appeared.
“Banksy has come to Islington! What wonderful artwork, proving there is hope for our natural world everywhere,” Corbyn said in a post on X.
In December, artwork by Banksy showing three grey drones across a “STOP” traffic sign in south London was removed by an unidentified man in broad daylight as passersby looked on. Police later made arrests.
That fate looks unlikely for his latest piece, which stretches beyond the height of the fully grown tree and across several floors of a large building.
In 2022, Banksy unveiled a work in the Ukrainian town of Borodyanka, which had been occupied by Russia until April and heavily damaged by fighting.
