New Banksy-inspired graffiti spotted in Chichester

The new work comes only a few months after ‘The Big Deal’ which shows children swapping bank notes appeared at North Pallant.

Both are created using stencils which has led pieces by the Weston-super-Mare born and bred JPS to often be mistaken for being Banksy’s handiwork.

This link is not accidental as JPS cites Banksy - arguably the most famous artist in the genre - as having changed his life.

JPS’s website states visiting an exhibition of his in Bristol in 2009 was the turning point.

The 37-year-old street artist said: “Five and a half years ago, I was homeless from drink and drugs, two of my friends were murdered when I was 19 and I went down a bad path.

“I’m from a tough estate and I lost a lot of friends. I hid my grief through drink, and wasted 12 years of my life.

“Then in 2009 I went to visit the Banksy show in Bristol and I thought ‘hey I could do that’. I was into fine art when I was younger, but Banksy inspired me, he saved my life and I respect him.”

Work by JPS has reportedly been featured at the Tate Modern and in a Hyundai advert, but he acknowledges the format divides opinion.

“It’s not that I just wanna damage a wall, I’m very careful where I do my pieces,” he said. “What’s art for some isn’t for others.”

Find out more at www.jpsart.co.uk

What do you think of the works?