A mural by renowned street artist Banksy, known as “Child Migrant,” has undergone restoration and is set to be showcased on the canals of Venice. This display will take place on May 8 and 9, before the artwork is returned to its original location at Palazzo San Pantalon.
The mural, created during the night of May 8-9, 2019, depicts a child in a life jacket standing with their feet submerged in water, reaching for a plant stem that emits pink smoke. This piece is one of only two of Banksy’s works in Italy, designed to be partially submerged due to the rising tides.
After months of restoration funded by Banca Ifis, which acquired the building housing the mural, the artwork will be transported by boat through the city’s canals, allowing residents and visitors to view it. Following the display, it will be reinstalled on the wall of Palazzo San Pantalon.
The mural’s condition had deteriorated due to humidity and salt exposure from its waterfront location, compounded by the building’s neglected state. The restoration process did not return the piece to its original 2019 condition but preserved it as it was when removed.
Banksy remains an anonymous figure in the art world, known for his politically charged street art and graffiti. He has not made a public appearance since 2003, with notable exhibitions including “Banksy vs. Bristol Museum” in 2009 and a recent show in Glasgow in 2023.
Banksy's mural "Child Migrant" will be displayed on Venice's canals before being returned to its original site at Palazzo San Pantalon. The artwork, which highlights issues of child migration, has undergone significant restoration after deteriorating due to environmental factors.