Banksy has unveiled a new mural on Instagram after a six-month hiatus, depicting a black lighthouse with the stenciled phrase “I want to be what you saw in me.” The work, located in Marseille’s Rue Félix Fregier, marks the first time the artist has referred to himself in the first person in a public mural. Speculation about its meaning ranges from a tribute to a deceased artist known as Lonely Farmer to a moment of rare self-reflection, though Banksy’s studio Pest Control declined to comment.
This mural signals a potential shift in Banksy’s public persona, moving from politically charged commentary toward more introspective and personal themes. The work’s ambiguous location and cryptic message have sparked widespread debate about whether the artist is becoming more philosophical—or merely more banal—as he reconciles his commercial success with his outsider status. The piece underscores the enduring public fascination with Banksy’s identity and artistic evolution.