Marseille's Mayor, Benoît Payan, expresses pride over Banksy's latest art installation in the city.
New Version:
straight up, Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, ain't shy about the new Banksy popping up on our streets. He called it a "magnificent piece" during a chat on Tuesday, following its discovery in a tranquil Marseille neighborhood close to the coast, last Friday. It's a lighthouse, covered with the words, "I want to be what you saw in me," which translates to "Je veux être ce que tu as vu en moi."
Now, let's talk about what went down next. The artist's work didn't last long, getting hit with some purple graffiti over the weekend, but don't worry, it was fixed. Payan says that the co-ownership group wants to protect it, and he's ready to lend a hand.
That's the official word, but you can bet folks are keeping an eye on it. With curiosity peaked and tourist interest piqued, you can count on a little extra attention being showered on the artwork at 1 Rue Félix Frégier in the Catalans district of Marseille's 7th arrondissement[4]. Despite a brief stint as a defaced painting[1][5], the piece has stirred up conversation and remains a hot topic.
As for formal protection? That's usually the duty of local authorities and community involvement when it comes to street art. But, for this specific artwork, the details on any protective measures are a bit scarce in the current info[2]. So, maybe we'll see some DIY protection or increased surveillance from the neighbors, since, let's face it, folks are interested!
As the protected artwork continues to draw attention, it's becoming a focal point of local culture and entertainment, potentially attracting more celebrities and tourists to the 7th arrondissement of Marseille's Catalans district. With the rising interest and discussions surrounding the Banksy piece, it seems the collision of street art, culture, and entertainment is creating a unique blend within the city.
