Residents are divided over what to do with new Banksy-style murals that have appeared around Birmingham. While one artwork 'put a smile on the face' of a resident, others questioned the 'double standards' regarding graffiti on public buildings.
New murals appear in Moseley and Highgate
On St Mary's Row in Moseley, a mural of a girl dubbed 'Little Mo' was drawn on a wall near St Mary's Church. A similarly styled artwork of an astronaut also appeared in Highgate, near Belgrave Middleway. The black-and-white drawings are similar in style to the artist Banksy.
The Moseley mural received praise from Councillor Izzy Knowles, who posted on Facebook: 'Before anyone asks, it’s not a Banksy, but a cool new mural has appeared in St Mary’s Row. I think we should call her Little Mo.'
Questions over consent and double standards
Night-time economy ambassador Lyle Bignon responded: 'Interesting post, Izzy. I'm assuming this artwork has been added to the wall with the consent of the church or whoever owns that party wall? This city, its police force, councillors, commissioning organisations, artists-for-hire, freelancers, and the community need to have a very up-to-date and honest discussion about how we approach graffiti and street art in Birmingham.'
'There appears to be a lot of double standards at play, with people in cultural organisations, LAs, BIDs, and other key agencies playing arbiters of what is and what isn't acceptable or permitted visually in our communities. For example, I find art in some of the complex and beautifully-scripted calligraphy graff tags, although I don't agree/approve of independent businesses being targeted. I don't see anything artistic or acceptable in the barrage of advertising we are subjected to in our communities on a daily basis via outdoor poster sites or increasingly, digital, screens.'
Anna Stus added: 'To add to what Lyle has said, I doubt this has been done with any authorisation, but it's interesting that it's being well received because it looks like a Banksy. Lyle is right, there are a lot of double standards at play. Why is this acceptable, but graffiti has people calling for police intervention and prosecutions? It's long past time that Birmingham's graffiti and street art is addressed properly by those who seem to think they can decide what qualifies as art and what is vandalism. Art is subjective, after all.'
Mixed reactions from the community
Grant Grove posted: 'Or just unsightly graffiti, that drags the area down and encourages yet more anti-social behaviour.'
While the introduction of Moseley's newest mural drew criticism, many were happy to see 'Little Mo' on the street. Chris Hutchison said: 'Personally I think there are many more pressing issues to discuss than harmless street-art which made me smile when I saw it. The image is not offensive, racist or divisive of society in any way. Art is inclusive even if not appreciated by all.'
Eileen Vichare added: 'So cute, yes. Little Mo. Perfect.'
BPM Cafe posted: 'This is a great piece of art that captures joy and individual expression; hopefully it brings a smile to everyone who walks past it. If anyone knows who did create it, or is a visual artist themselves, we’re currently looking for someone to paint interesting and creative signage on our building shutter boxes, feel free to DM us.'
