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Banksy‘s “Migrant Child” Mural in Venice Undergoes Innovative Rescue Operation

A groundbreaking rescue mission is underway in Venice to preserve Banksy’s poignant “Migrant Child” mural, a powerful commentary on the global refugee crisis. The artwork, depicting a child clutching a flare and wearing a life vest, was discovered on the wall of the Palazzo San Pantalon in 2019. It is indeed one of only two Banksy pieces officially recognized in Italy.

After six years of exposure to the elements, the mural, positioned near the canal’s waterline, had considerably deteriorated, with approximately one-third of the artwork showing signs of damage. Recognizing the urgency, restorers embarked on an ambitious operation to save the piece.

Working from a barge and shielded by a tarpaulin, a specialized team meticulously detached the section of the wall bearing the mural. This intricate process, funded by the palazzo’s owner, Banca Ifis, involved the use of angle grinders and hand tools. The detached fragment was then carefully crated and transported by boat for further analysis and restoration. Banca ifis highlighted that this cutting-edge technique marked a first for Italy.

The rescued artwork will now be meticulously restored under the guidance of Federico Borgogni, who previously oversaw the removal of Banksy’s “Aachoo!” mural in Bristol. Damaged areas will be excised, and the wall fragment will be mounted on a specialized honeycomb support. This will allow for the reconstruction of missing sections using stucco, which will then be color-matched to seamlessly reintegrate the image.

However, the lower portion of the mural, which suffered severe degradation due to its proximity to the water, will not be restored. A Banca Ifis spokesperson explained that this section is too extensively damaged, and any attempt at restoration would essentially involve a complete recreation, which is not the intention.Banca Ifis plans to showcase the restored “Migrant Child” as part of free cultural events organized by its cultural initiative, Ifis Art. The bank is currently evaluating various aspects with the restorer regarding the future display of the artwork, emphasizing that it will not be housed in a closed museum setting.

The Italian ministry of Culture had announced the restoration of “Migrant Child” by Banca Ifis in 2023, a decision that ignited a public debate about whether the artwork should be preserved or allowed to naturally decay.Banca Ifis acquired the Palazzo San Pantalon the following year and has commissioned Zaha Hadid Architects to lead the building’s broader restoration. The bank’s vision is to transform the palazzo into a contemporary art exhibition space, fostering a connection with the Venice Biennale.