Banksy’s “Migrant Child” Rescued from Venetian Canal in Delicate Restoration
A poignant work by the elusive street artist Banksy, titled “The Migrant Child,” has been carefully removed from the side of a building in Venice, Italy, to undergo restoration and ensure its preservation for future generations. Officials announced the operation today, emphasizing the need to protect the artwork from further deterioration.
The removal, conducted overnight on Thursday, involved detaching a section of the facade of Palazzo San Pantalon, overlooking the Rio di San Pantalon canal. The process was carried out in close consultation with individuals connected to the famously private British artist, according to a statement released by Banca Ifis, the Venice-based bank whose art program initially promoted the piece.
A Symbol of the Migration Crisis
“The Migrant Child,” depicting a young child wearing a lifejacket and clutching a pink smoke bomb, first appeared in May 2019. The artwork quickly gained international attention and was officially acknowledged by Banksy, becoming a popular destination for tourists who marked its location on online maps. The piece resonated deeply as a powerful commentary on the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean Sea.
However, six years of exposure to the elements had taken a toll. Banca Ifis reported that approximately one-third of the artwork had deteriorated due to neglect, necessitating the urgent intervention.
Delicate Removal and Restoration Process
The restoration is being led by Federico Borgogni, an expert who previously prepared the artwork by removing dust and cleaning the surface. According to a company release, Borgogni oversaw the careful detachment of the palazzo’s facade section. Banca Ifis is fully financing the project, but the total cost of the operation has not been disclosed.
The bank intends to exhibit the restored artwork to the public as part of its free cultural events organized by Ifis art. While a specific timeline for the display has not yet been announced, the move underscores a commitment to making art accessible.
This rescue operation highlights the challenges of preserving ephemeral street art and the lengths to which institutions and individuals will go to protect culturally significant works, even those created outside traditional artistic channels. The future display of “The Migrant Child” promises to offer a renewed opportunity for public engagement with Banksy’s powerful message.
