Banksy had a close call with “an angry babushka” while painting on bombed-out buildings in Ukraine, the street artist said this week amid a fundraising effort for charitable operations in the country.
Legacy of War Foundation lent Banksy one of its ambulances to work from when he painted multiple murals in and around the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv last month, he stated Friday for the release of a limited-edition print to benefit the group.
The vehicle “turned out to be extremely useful when an angry babushka found me painting on her building and called the Police,” he wrote on the charity’s website. “I feel the least I should do is raise enough money to replace the number plates on the ambulance I hotted up.”
In an Instagram post, Banksy shared an image of the rat-themed print. Sales will help Legacy of War Foundation as it supports civilians affected by Russia’s invasion, which began in February.
There are 50 prints available at 5,000 British pounds each, or around $6,100. Registration for a chance to buy the art ends Friday.
The 250,000 pounds expected to be raised will buy new ambulances and support vehicles “for the continued evacuation of persons with disabilities, the elderly and civilian casualties,” wrote Giles Duley, the foundation’s CEO.
“We will be sending generators, gas heaters and solar powered lights to communities who are facing the brutal winter without electricity,” Duley said on the group’s site. “And we will be able to continue our support for shelters in Kyiv for women and the LGBTQ community.”
Banksy has claimed credit for at least seven artworks in Ukraine, confirming his involvement via a video on Instagram.
Last week, one of the murals was put under police protection after a group was arrested for allegedly trying to steal it from a wall.
See more of Banksy’s Ukraine art here:
