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Mysterious Banksy Tribute Sculpture Pops Up in Edinburgh

banksy tribute edinburgh valentine's day

On Valentine's Day, a mysterious sculpture popped up in front of Edinburgh's Scott Monument. Taking inspiration from Banksy's iconic 2002 piece Balloon Girl, the artwork created quite a stir.

The sculpture shows a girl, placed in front of the statue of Sir Walter Scott, reaching for a red balloon. This time, however, the balloon is actually a floating red naval mine with a heart cut out. City officials and onlookers were left puzzled by the sculpture, which was signed Grantsy, as hoards of people came out to photograph the work.

Such mystery left the piece open to interpretation. “It is very interesting to see a new installation within a Gothic monument,” observed Edinburgh University student Ajeng Setyo. “It is a very vivid statement which reminds everyone to love more, despite the situation across the world.”

City officials left the work in place throughout the day so curious observers could get their fill. And, by the next day, the mystery was solved. “Mrs. Grantsy” came forward to the Evening News and explained that the artwork was a romantic gesture from her husband.

“My husband placed Mine Girl on the Scott Monument as part of a Valentine’s gift for me and as an homage to Banksy.”

Part of her gift also included the heart cutout, which was presented to her in a wooden box. The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, were pleased that the elaborate Valentine made people smile.

banksy tribute edinburgh valentine's day

banksy tribute edinburgh valentine's day

banksy tribute edinburgh valentine's day

Image via Edinburgh News.

h/t: [this isn't happiness, Evening Edinburgh News]

All images via BBC except where noted.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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