The Sirens of the Lambs (2013)

A mobile sculpture piece created with a slaughterhouse truck, a variety of stuffed animals, and a male driver.

The Sirens of the Lambs (2013)

Dimensions unknown

In 2013, Banksy made another unprecedented move when he created a mobile art sculpture called the Sirens of the Lambs. The sculpture, which typifies Banksy’s usual satirical motives, utilized ready made materials such as a used slaughterhouse truck, a driver, and a variety of stuffed animals. The label “Farm Fresh Meats” had been inscribed on the driver’s side of the truck’s cabin and the cuddly stuffed animals peeked out of the automobile screeching loud enough to demand the attention of bystanders. Ironically (and totally Banksy’s style), the truck made rounds in the Meatpacking district and often slowed down or stopped in front of community meat market companies. 

Thoughts shared on the mobile sculpture range from amusement to horror. For example, a NPR reporter declared; “The piece is somehow hilarious and horrifying at the same time, like an episode of The Muppets gone terribly wrong.” (NPR, 2013). However, many ascribe the moving installation as a way to confront animal cruelty. Speculators have said that Banksy is simply asking us to pay attention and “address issues that we prefer to sweep under the carpet.” ("Care2", 2013). Like most of his work, this piece has left observers with much to think about.