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The ‘Are You The Next Banksy?’ competition has sparked remarkable creativity across Essex. Children aged 2 to 18 are submitting painted CDs that are anything but ordinary, and a first look at the entries shows just how much young people have to say.
One entry comes from a local youth group, its creator inspired by animation studio Inu Curry and their collage aesthetic:
“My painting is a reflection of myself and a distorted version, talking about transformation through costume, makeup and drag. I initially used acrylic paints, and then went over the top with acrylic paint markers to add definition and improve the depth of colour.”
Another child painted flowers spotted on a walk near her grandparents, wanting to share something that brings her joy. One entry recreates a snow scene from a trip to Finland, built up carefully in layers of blue acrylic with a fine brush for the fallen snow.
Perhaps the most quietly powerful entry so far writes in their submission:
“It’s a broken CD that doesn’t work anymore and blossom trees and sunrises are known for being beautiful so I made a broken thing beautiful.”
And another entry takes on artificial intelligence directly, exploring how ChatGPT is affecting the thinking of teenagers. Bold, timely, and entirely in the spirit of Banksy.
These works will be displayed, alongside Banksy artwork from Brandler Galleries, in over 25 shop windows, including Fenwick’s, Red Lion Books, and Waterstones. Competition entries are open until 18th March at www.littlegarth.org/banksy.
