Banksy Tile ‘Create Escape’

Description

Banksy’s artwork “Create Escape”, which appeared on the exterior wall of the former Reading Gaol in England in March 2021, depicts a prisoner escaping from prison with the help of sheets tied together and a typewriter. This statue refers to the famous writer Oscar Wilde, who was held in this prison from 1895 to 1897 after his conviction for “gross indecency”.

Shortly after the artwork’s appearance, Banksy confirmed his authorship by publishing a video on his Instagram account. This video, entitled “Create Escape”, shows Banksy creating the artwork, accompanied by audio clips from American painter Bob Ross. The video offers a rare insight into Banksy’s working methods and contains humorous elements, such as Bob Ross saying: “Every little bit you do is one step closer to a better landscape.”

Although Banksy has not made an explicit statement about the meaning of “Create Escape”, it is widely believed to be a statement of support for the campaign to transform the former prison into an arts centre. The presence of the typewriter in the artwork emphasizes the literary connection with Oscar Wilde, who wrote the poem “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol.

By placing this artwork in this specific location, Banksy seems to want to draw attention to the importance of art and literature in overcoming oppression and promoting freedom. His choice to document the creation of the work with a nod to Bob Ross adds an extra layer of artistic expression and humor to the whole.

Size: 10x10cm