New Banksy in Marseille
- Delphine & Romain Class
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 8
"On the morning of Monday, May 26, 2025, residents of the Catalans neighborhood in Marseille were surprised to discover a new artwork on a discreet wall on Rue Félix Frégier. Speculation quickly spread: could it be a Banksy? Two days later, the famous British street artist confirmed on his Instagram account what urban art enthusiasts had already suspected: yes, the piece is indeed his."
A Subtle Mural Blending Real Light and Street Art
The seemingly simple painted image depicts a stylized black lighthouse projecting a white beam. The subtlety lies in the fact that this beam perfectly aligns with the real shadow of a nearby metal pole, creating a striking illusion between the real and the imaginary. This layering catches the attention of passersby, compelling them to stop, observe, and reflect.
But it’s undoubtedly the phrase painted in white letters beneath the lighthouse that evokes the most emotion: “I want to be what you saw in me.” These touching words speak of longing, of how we are perceived by others, and of the desire to live up to an idealized or beloved image. They convey deep vulnerability and resonate strongly in today’s world, where recognition and identity are constantly being sought. The slogan also questions the meaning and importance of appearances — whether they should matter or not.
A Subtle Link to the Song Softly by Lonestar
Some observers were quick to draw a connection to the song Softly by American country band Lonestar, released in the early 2000s. The song gently reflects on a past love and the difficulty of living without the person who once believed in us. The phrase “I want to be what you saw in me” is central, expressing a poignant desire to be worthy of someone’s love and trust. This musical link adds an intimate layer to the piece, enhancing its emotional power.
An Artwork in Line with Banksy’s Social Commitment
True to his style, Banksy blends visual art, personal messaging, and social reflection. The choice of Marseille — a city shaped by its port history, cultural diversity, and stark social inequalities — is no coincidence. He intervenes in a public space, accessible to everyone, far from the galleries and museums. The lighthouse becomes a symbol of guidance, of light in the dark, but also of illusion, as it relies on a shadow.
The piece seems to converse with passersby about universal themes: how we are seen by others, the place we occupy in the world, the expectations we face and project. Who we are, or who we believe we are — and the image we reflect back to others and to society. It turns an ordinary urban detail — a street pole — into a powerful visual metaphor.
A Busy Banksy News Cycle in France
This new intervention comes at a key moment for Banksy admirers in France. Two major exhibitions are opening in June:
In Toulon, at the Musée d’Art, a retrospective showcasing over 80 works
In Montpellier, an immersive exhibition featuring his most iconic graffiti
These events reflect the French public’s strong enthusiasm for the artist’s work, despite — or perhaps because of — his persistent anonymity and ongoing critique of artistic institutions.
An Instant Icon?
In just a few days, the mural has become a must-see spot. Locals quickly embraced the piece—some even protected it with transparent plastic or cleaned off unwanted tags. Tourists are flocking to see it, photos are circulating across social media, and the city of Marseille is already considering ways to preserve it without freezing it in time. A sheet of glass or plexiglass, often bolted to the wall, is typically used to protect Banksy’s works from vandalism—and especially from theft.
However, despite the enthusiasm, the mural was vandalized shortly after it appeared. Witnesses reported that it was partially covered with paint, altering the original composition. This act sparked outrage among local residents and art lovers alike, who saw it as a sign of disrespect toward the artist. The Marseille city council was informed of the incident and quickly restored the artwork. Discussions are now underway to determine how best to protect the mural and prevent further damage.
This incident is a reminder that Banksy’s works—though often intended to be fleeting—are particularly vulnerable to acts of vandalism. It also highlights the importance of protecting street art, which enriches the cultural landscape and encourages reflection on social and political issues.
Once again, Banksy has managed to deliver a poetic shock to public space. Blending anonymity, virality, social critique, and striking aesthetics, his intervention in Marseille stands out as one of the defining moments in urban art for 2025.
Biography of Banksy
Banksy is a British street artist whose identity remains officially unknown, though some theories suggest his real name might be Robin Gunningham. He was born in the 1970s in Bristol, UK, where he began painting on walls in the 1990s. Banksy quickly gained attention for his satirical and politically charged works, combining dark humor with strong social commentary.
His signature style is defined by the use of stencils—a technique he adopted to create faster, more impactful pieces. His works appear in strategic and symbolic locations: the walls of Bethlehem, the streets of London, and public spaces in Paris and New York. He tackles a wide range of topics, including capitalism, war, mass surveillance, inequality, and migration.
Beyond public street art, Banksy has also developed larger artistic projects, such as The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem and Dismaland, a dystopian theme park installation unveiled in 2015.
As a leading figure of subversive art, Banksy remains outside the traditional art system while paradoxically being fully integrated into the art market—some of his works selling at auction for millions of euros. His anonymity and commitment make him one of the most fascinating and influential artists of the 21st century.
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