A Banksy style mystery on rue de Verdun
If you are walking down the rue de Verdun in Strasbourg you might notice something more interesting than just parked cars. There is an electric box that has been turned into a canvas. It features a painting that looks suspiciously like a piece by the world famous Banksy. The style is very familiar with its sharp stencils and simple colours.
The whispers of a secret visit
People often stop and wonder if the famous British artist secretly visited Strasbourg. There is always a lot of local speculation when a stencil like this appears. Some fans claim the technique is too perfect to be an imitation. They point to the way the shadows are handled and the clever placement on the street. It is a lovely thought to imagine him sneaking around with a spray can at night. This kind of mystery is exactly what the street art world loves to talk about over a coffee.
Local talent or global icon
While the rumours are fun it is much more likely to be a local artist with a hobby. Many street artists use stencils because they are quick and easy to hide from the police. There is no official signature on the box so the mystery remains unsolved. It adds a bit of excitement to a street that is otherwise quite normal. Even if it is not a genuine piece worth millions it still makes the walk to the shops much more interesting.
Why use an electric box
Using an electric box is a very clever move for any artist. These objects are part of the urban furniture that we usually ignore completely. By painting on it the artist forces you to look at something ugly and find something beautiful. It is a bit like putting a silk tie on a pig. It makes the street feel a bit more alive and a bit less industrial. Even if it is just a tribute it still does the job of making people stop and think.
A permanent part of the street
Strasbourg seems to be a bit more relaxed about high quality street art. As long as it is not offensive or messy the city often leaves it alone. This specific painting has been there for a while which suggests the neighbours quite like it. It is a strange situation where a bit of paint on a metal box becomes a local landmark. People now use it as a reference point when giving directions.
