Banksy has confirmed the authenticity of two new artworks which appeared in his style in a 'graffiti-free' part of London

pulse

September 18, 2017 10:31 AM

The pieces were inspired by an upcoming show at London's Barbican Centre.

Banksy has confirmed the authenticity of two new artworks which appeared in his iconic style close to the Barbican Centre.

The murals, which make fun of the so-called "graffiti-free" part of central London, appear in a tunnel.

They are inspired by an upcoming exhibition at the Barbican by American artist Jean-Michael Basquiat, who initially rose to fame as part of a New York City-based graffiti duo, SAMO, before turning his hand to painting.

The first mural depicts a ferris wheel topped with crowns — one of the symbols Basquiat's works are best known for — above people queueing at a ticket booth.

Banksy posted on Sunday: "Major new Basquiat show opens at the Barbican - a place that is normally very keen to clean any graffiti from its walls."

Major new Basquiat show ope... @ banksy

The second post is captioned: "Portrait of Basquiat being welcomed by the Metropolitan Police - an (unofficial) collaboration with the new Basquiat show."

Portrait of Basquiat being ... @ banksy

Basquiat: Boom for Real opens at the Barbican Centre on September 21.

pulse