Elusive artist Banksy unveiled a new mural in Finsbury Park, North London on Saint Patrick’s day.  Located in Hornsey Road, a social housing area, the council recently pruned a massive  mature cherry tree, as part of their regular maintenance,  and left it looking miserable.

Using a pressure hose or fire extinguisher, Banksy painted a cascade of green colour on the façade of the nearby building, creating a trompe l’oeil effect.   At the bottom the mural Banksy used a stencil to paint a lifesized person holding a pressure hose next to it.  When stepping back, it looks like the tree is bursting to life.

Banksy’s attention to detail is noticeable with the green colour palette matching the one used by Islington Council for signs in the local area.  This also helped him act unnoticed despite the bright green colour.

This fire extinguisher technique is a favourite amongst graffiti artists as it enables to cover large surfaces high and wide quickly without the need of a ladder or scaffholding. 

Mural by Russian artist 0331© in Moscow,  2012

Local residents expressed joy and pride to the addition of this major cultural element to their streets.

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Placement and timing are key. A celebration of the green colour (perfect timing with Saint Patrick’s day), combined with a celebration of nature and the springtime season in full bloom.

Update 20.03.2024

Street art is ephemeral by nature.

The mural did not last long in its original state. Three days after unveiling the piece, the wall has received some white splash paint, as well as a little addition with a brick signature character by Ronzo. Can you spot it?