Sayart.net - Mystery Artist Creates Banksy-Style Mural on Coulsdon Bypass Bridge

A mysterious new piece of street art has appeared on the Coulsdon bypass, sparking curiosity among local residents who are eager to identify the playful and mischievous artist behind the work. The mural, featuring jumping boys, appeared on the brick wall of the bypass bridge over Brighton Road near Coulsdon South Station approximately one week ago. Local residents have been asking questions about the identity of the artist responsible for this latest addition to Croydon's street art scene. The artwork has been described as resembling the style of world-famous street artist Banksy, though experts believe it is not actually the work of the internationally renowned artist. "I'm not sure it's a Banksy, but I'm pretty sure it isn't by Mayor Perry," one local resident told Inside Croydon. The appearance of this new mural brings back memories of similar artwork that appeared in the area during 2020. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, a locally-based artist known as State Of The Art, whose real name is Chris Shea, created stencilled Rainbow Boy paintings that raised thousands of dollars for health charities. Shea identified himself as the creator of those 2020 Rainbow Boy artworks, which appeared throughout the local area during the pandemic. More recently, Shea has been fulfilling commissions from enthusiastic Crystal Palace football fans, creating colorful Eagles-themed designs for supporters of the local team. However, Shea has not claimed responsibility for the new Coulsdon mural featuring the jumping boys. The community response to the new artwork has been positive, with local residents taking steps to preserve it. "We have asked the council not to remove it," said a Coulsdon source, indicating that locals appreciate having the street art as part of their neighborhood landscape. The mural's location on the bypass bridge makes it highly visible to both pedestrians and drivers passing through the area, adding a splash of creativity to what might otherwise be a mundane piece of urban infrastructure. The bridge, situated near Coulsdon South Station, serves as a prominent canvas for the artwork, ensuring that it catches the attention of commuters and local residents alike. The mystery surrounding the artist's identity continues to generate discussion within the community, with speculation about whether it might be the work of an established street artist or perhaps an emerging local talent. The Banksy-style approach suggests that the artist is familiar with contemporary street art techniques and aesthetics, though the specific subject matter and execution have their own unique characteristics. Street art has become increasingly accepted and celebrated in many communities, with local governments and residents recognizing its potential to brighten urban spaces and create talking points for neighborhoods. The positive reception of this latest mural in Coulsdon reflects this broader cultural shift toward embracing public art as a valuable addition to community spaces. The timing of the mural's appearance and the community's protective response suggest that street art continues to play an important role in local culture and identity. As residents work to preserve the artwork and continue speculating about its creator, the jumping boys on the Coulsdon bypass have successfully achieved what many pieces of public art aspire to do: capture public attention, generate community discussion, and add visual interest to the urban environment.