Elusive artist Banksy sparked curiosity this week by sharing images of his latest creation on Instagram, featuring a lighthouse silhouette with the cryptic message, “I want to be what you see in me.” Without providing any details, Banksy’s followers were left to speculate on the whereabouts of the artwork.
A second photo showed an elderly couple walking their dogs near the lighthouse, offering little insight. Despite the lack of information, social media users on Instagram and X platform began sharing theories, with many suggesting the piece may be situated in southern France. One enthusiast on X proposed, “A new Banksy style… somewhere in Marseille,” while a French user echoed, “The latest Banksy. Maybe in Marseille?”
On Instagram, another fan pondered, “A silent cry for redemption… the lighthouse symbolizes hope and guidance, but where is this located?” prompting a straightforward response of “Marseille” from a different user.
Supporting the Marseille theory, comments like “Yup – Le Panier, Marseille” and “It’s in Marseille” surfaced. One person even claimed to have identified the exact location of the artwork at “1 Rue Félix Frégier, 13007 Marseille, France.”
The meaning behind the artwork remains a mystery, with speculation that the quote used could be inspired by the song ‘Lonely’ by the country band Lonestar. Banksy’s works often carry political themes, addressing issues such as immigration, homelessness, and conflicts.
In past projects, Banksy painted murals on the West Bank Wall in 2005, despite being deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice. While some of his creations convey clear messages, others, like the animal-themed series unveiled in London in 2024, leave their interpretations open to interpretation. The series included artworks featuring monkeys, wolves, pelicans, goats, cats, and elephants, all presented in Banksy’s distinctive black stencil style. Starting with a mountain goat at Kew Bridge, the spree continued with various animals across different London locations, each piece holding its unique allure and mystery.