Elusive artist Banksy sparked curiosity this week with new artwork shared on Instagram, featuring a lighthouse silhouette and the cryptic phrase, “I want to be what you see in me.” Without any location details, Banksy’s followers engaged in a detective game to identify where the artwork might be situated.
A second image showed an elderly couple walking their dogs near the lighthouse, offering minimal clues. Social media investigators on platforms like Instagram and X hypothesized that the artwork could be in southern France, with suggestions pointing towards Marseille.
Discussions on Instagram included interpretations like, “A silent cry for redemption… where is this located?” with one user bluntly responding, “Marseille.” Others agreed, mentioning specific areas in Marseille where the artwork could be found.
The meaning behind the artwork remains a puzzle, but some speculate that the quoted phrase could be inspired by the song ‘Lonely’ by Lonestar. Banksy’s creations often carry political themes, addressing issues like immigration and homelessness.
In a separate instance, Banksy unveiled a series of animal-themed artworks during a nine-day spree in London in 2024, each featuring creatures like monkeys, wolves, and elephants. These pieces, in Banksy’s iconic black stencil style, were scattered across different locations in the city, adding to the artist’s enigmatic portfolio.