The statue by Banksy unveiled in the heart of London this spring is still there—and will remain in situ for the next few weeks at least, a spokesperson for Westminster city council told The Art Newspaper.
The work by the ubiquitous street artist, a magnet for tourists, depicts a suited man carrying a large flag which covers his face, blinding him as he steps forward halfway off of the plinth. In an Instagram post on 30 April, Banksy confirmed to his 14 million followers that he is the artist behind the work and shared footage of its nighttime installation with the aid of a large crane.
But will it become permanent? “There has been no decision made [re: the work] at the moment. We are expecting a conclusion by the end of the summer. It’ll remain on view for the next few weeks,” the council said. Waterloo Place, where the statue stands, is located in the St James’s neighbourhood, home to various gentlemen’s clubs and art and luxury businesses and situated close to the many government buildings and foreign embassies of Westminster.